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Embracing their second act Former KSDK-TV anchor Karen Foss brings her art to St. Louis in new show BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICE
Karen Foss has been off the air in St. Louis for 15 years, but it’s safe to say she remains one of the most beloved and admired news anchors to have ever worked in television here. In her own way, Foss created art every night at 10 p.m. on KSDK-TV. Now, she is bringing a new version of her art back to St. Louis. A year after leaving TV in 2006, Foss was named vice president for public relations at Ameren, where she continued her career in until retiring in 2011 as corporate Senior Vice President for Communications. And this is when Foss really went to work. This is when she found her second act. Moving to Santa Fe, N.M, Foss pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an artist. She is returning soon to welcome her own show of original oil paintings, “Moments and Memories,” at the Duane Reed Gallery from Dec. 10 through Jan. 8.
Looking back “I had always enjoyed art and took as many classes as I could in high school,” said Foss, who grew up in Kansas City. “I studied at a small fashion design school in Kansas City for a couple of years but realized there were very few fashion design jobs locally and I longed for the intellectual challenge of a real university education.” First attending Johnson County Community College and then University of Missouri-Kansas City, Foss started
out as an art student before discovering communications, which she felt offered more job opportunities. “I turned my creativity to home décor, and sewing clothes for me and my children. I often took art classes here and there but could never seem to make the time for serious study. I admire those who do have demanding careers and still manage to make art – many do, but I couldn’t do it.” Even as her broadcast career began to take shape, Foss continued to harbor her dream of becoming an artist and even an architect. “I had always hoped to return to painting in my future,” said Foss. Karen Foss
The past influencing the now With so many years at the forefront of broadcast news in St. Louis, it is not hard to imagine that this vast experience would influence Foss’ second act. “At first, I started out studying portrait painting and I believe that search for the ‘story behind the story’ came from my decades of journalism and my love of interviewing people,” said Foss. “Although I’ve now focused more on landscape and cityscape, I’m always looking for that something that may not be visible at first glance, just as we do in journalism.” See FOSS on page 8A
Octogenarian ‘Picasso’ turns new love of painting into good works BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The Designing Block gallery in Clayton, which often showcases emerging artists, recently extended space to a talented octogenarian who started painting as a hobby just six months ago. The artist is Lenore Pepper, who happens to be something of an expert in home furnishings and design. Pepper, 87, and her husband, Eddie, congregants of Congregation Temple Israel, are the owners of the design firm Edwin Pepper & Associates. After nearly a year of COVIDimposed sheltering and reading every book she could find, Pepper was ready for a new challenge. She loves gardening and plants. For years, she wanted to learn to draw and paint trees, so she decided to give it a shot. Before applying a brushstroke, she accidentally spilled a glob of acrylic paint on a canvas. The idea of throwing Lenore Pepper with one of her paintings. PHOTO CREDIT: BILL MOTCHAN
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it out and starting over seemed too wasteful. “I thought, ‘How could I be so sloppy?’ ” Pepper said. “Then I figured I might be able to do something with it and, before I knew it, I had a painting. I looked at it and I thought it might be good. So I started trying different techniques and learning more about brushes and brushstrokes.” Pepper’s grandson Brandon came to visit her and liked her early work, so she gave it to him for his apartment. She continued painting and creating new work, about 46 pieces. Her son Marc, also a design consultant, told her he liked them, so she gave them to him. He’s been selling them for $150 each. That gave her an idea: to create even more paintings and sell them to raise money for a good cause. She now has a group of recently completed paintings for sale, with 20% of the proceeds going to the Sam and Marilyn FoxLenore and Edwin Pepper Friendship Fund for Camp Scholarships. See PEPPER on page 9A
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December 1, 2021
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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S STL JEWISH LIGHT INDEX
The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis — Founded 1963
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Address for payments (for general correspondence, see address below): P.O. Box 78369, St. Louis, Mo. 63178-8369
OFFICERS Bethe Growe, President Laura K. Silver, Immediate Past President Ben Weiss, Vice President Laurie Chod, Vice President Alice Handelman, Vice President Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer Stacy Wolff Smart, Secretary
Gift Guide .......................................... 4B-5B
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Local News ...................................... 3A-10A
Tributes ....................................................7B
Address for general correspondence: PO Box 411487 Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141
TRUSTEES Dan Bindler, Jerry Ehrlich, Richard Flom, Judy Kaplan, Debra Klevens, Mia Kweskin, Beth Manlin, Lauren Murov, Ryan Rich, Steve Rosenzweig, Jenn Sagett, Angela Sandler, Bruce Sandweiss, Adam Schneider, Helene Sherman, Joan Silber, Alan Spector, Dan Winograd
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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Terry Bloomberg, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Charles C. Eisenkramer, Dodie Frey, Diane Gallant, Steve Gallant, John Greenberg, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Gianna Jacobson, Gary Kodner, Linda Kraus, Sanford Lebman, Dr. Ken Ludmerer, Lynn Lyss, Donald Mitchell, Michael N. Newmark, Adinah Raskas, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Marvin J. Schneider, Richard W. Stein, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Sanford Weiss, Jenny Wolkowitz, Vivian W. Zwick Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)
CANDLE LIGHTING
STAFF EXECUTIVE Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
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EDITORIAL Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor BUSINESS AND ENGAGEMENT Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer Alec Baris, Digital Engagement Associate Amy Worth, Office Manager SALES Shane Blatt, Senior Account Executive Kelly Morris, Account Executive Elaine Wernick, Account Executive PRODUCTION Erin Eason, Creative Lead CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Baugher, Burton Boxerman, Margaret Gillerman, Repps Hudson, Barry Gilbert, Cate Marquis, Dale Singer, Margi Lenga Kahn, Cathleen Kronemer, Bill Motchan
SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Shabbat begins Friday, Dec. 3: 4:23 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 4: 5:23 p.m. Torah reading: Mikeitz Shabbat begins Friday, Dec. 10: 4:22 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 11: 5:24 p.m. Torah reading: Vayigash
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The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published biweekly by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a notfor-profit corporation, PO Box 411487, St. Louis, MO 63141-9998. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2021. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light, PO Box 411487, St. Louis, MO 63141-9998.
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Perfect Light. For Less.
CONDOS MAKE GREAT PRESENTS TOO!
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SUBMIT YOUR NEWS Send story tips, news releases, calendar items and photos of recent Jewish community events to news@stljewishlight.org. For more information, call 314-743-3665.
NEWS & SCHMOOZE
Would you like to be our Hanukkah Harry? I’m sure I’m not alone here, but this time of year has me thinking a lot about gratitude and feeling grateful for the many blessings in my life, not the least of which are family and friends. I’m also grateful, and thankful, for my job at the St. Louis Jewish Light, and being able to have served as editor for the past dozen years. As I look forward to No. 13 — my bat mitzvah year here — I’ve been reflecting on our print and digital work and how much has changed the past couple of years. While our newspaper edition has pivoted from weekly to every other week, our digital operations have literally exploded. Along with the curated Your Morning Light dispatched to your inbox every day except Shabbat and other holidays, we also offer digital newsletters dedicated to the latest Israel news; recent obituaries; simchas/ celebrations; and family happenings on a biweekly, weekly or every-other-week basis. And we look forward to adding more in 2022, including newsletters that cater to foodies, shoppers and pop culture vultures (and I mean vultures in the nicest way possible!). All of the above involve an enormous amount of reporting and storytelling, which we not only generate ourselves, but also with the help of content partners, we have engaged in the Jewish journalism world and in the Jewish community here, across the country and in Israel. Some of these partnerships are free while others we pay for, but all provide us with distinctive Jewish stories that work to inform, inspire, connect and education our audiences — and I do mean audiences. One thing we have learned navigating this new digital first landscape is that while most of our readers are Jewish, there is no one size-fits-all when it comes to content. Jewish Light readers span all ages and denominations, including the unaffiliated, and encompass a wide diversity of backgrounds and interests. Many live in St. Louis but others who read us regularly do so from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, southeast Florida, even Boardman, Ore. — yes, I know, go figure. While some people think the Jewish Light is part of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, we are not. Federation is a great
supporter, but the Light is an independent, non-profit media outlet that spans more than seven decades. We take pride in the fact that all the products we offer — such as the newspaper and our digital newsletters — are free, and we want to keep it that way for generations to come. Speaking of generations, we also are proud that we are one of only a few media outlets in the country, including mainstream/secular media, which boasts a monthly section created by and for teenagers. And though this section has been going strong for more than a decade, we plan to increase its scope in the year ahead with more video and audio content as well as additional stories that we hope will engage and resonate with both new and established readers.
I’m guessing by now you know where this is going. Asking for money is never easy, at least not for me, but we depend on donations from readers such as you to help us to continue to operate, grow and improve the Jewish Light for generations to come. We take our role as community communicator seriously and believe we are vital to the health and vibrancy of our St. Louis Jewish community. Stories you regularly find in the Light — about the incredible people and places that make our St. Louis Jewish community unique — are stories you cannot find anywhere else. Not to be able to share them with readers would be an immeasurable loss. As advertising revenue has continued to decline — the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll in that arena as well — donations have become even more important in helping the Light secure a bright financial future. So please, we would appreciate you donating online or using the envelope included in this week’s issue to contribute. And if you haven’t done so already, sign up for one or all of our newsletters at stljewishlight.org. Happy Hanukkah and cheers to a healthy and hopeful holiday season.
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a weekly column by Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@ stljewishlight.org
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December 1, 2021
LOCAL NEWS
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Above, guests listen to remarks during Torah Prep’s Nov. 14 celebration of its new school building on Groby Road. At right, Torah Prep students take part in the festivities.
Leaders of the St. Louis Jewish community and University City gathered Nov. 14 to celebrate the new home of Torah Prep School of St. Louis. Prior to Torah Prep’s move and renovation, the building at 8136 Groby Road was McNair Elementary School. School officials and students offered tours, followed by remarks by Rabbi Tzvi Freedman, Torah Prep executive director, and other school supporters. At left, Racheli Staum and Zahra Sasportas greet visitors arriving at the school. ALL PHOTOS BY BILL MOTCHAN
Above, families tour the Torah Prep building during the event Nov. 14. Below, students take part in the celebration.
Above, Rabbi Tzvi Freedman (at left), founder and executive director of Torah Prep, takes part in a ceremonial ribbon cutting with guests of honor. At left, Freedman leads a tour of the school. For more images of the Torah Prep celebration, visit stljewishlight.org/ multimedia.
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December 1, 2021
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WHAT’S THE VALUE OF THE JEWISH LIGHT TO YOU? WHAT’S THE VALUE OF THE JEWISH LIGHT TO OUR COMMUNITY? DID YOU KNOW THAT THE LIGHT IS AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PROFIT NEWS SOURCE?
WE DEPEND ON PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
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MAKE A GIFT TODAY TO ENSURE WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND GENERATIONS TO COME. USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO MAIL A CHECK TO: P.O. BOX 78369 I ST. LOUIS, MO. 63178-8369 or visit stljewishlight.org/donate FOLLOW US!
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December 1, 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
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Jewish groups partner to spotlight antisemitism Five local Jewish organizations are joining a coalition of more than 60 North American Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and corporations to launch Shine A Light, an effort that works to illuminate the dangers of antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement and advocacy. Co-sponsors of the effort locally are: Jewish Federation of St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council AntiDefamation League’s Heartland chapter American Jewish Committee-St. Louis
chapter National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis. The groups are asking community members to join in the campaign by posting pictures of themselves with a candle or flashlight on their social media during Hanukkah, Nov. 28 to Dec. 6, and using the hashtag #ShineALight. Amid a widespread rise in antisemitism in North America, Shine A Light seeks to catalyze conversations within and across communities, on school campuses and in the workplace, so that people will better
understand what constitutes antisemitism and work to respond. They will partner with Jewish organizations and corporate sponsors, including the NBA; NFL; Google; Facebook; Hyatt; NASCAR; H & M; American Eagle; and many more. The joint effort is taking place in the wake of sobering statistics about the prevalence of antisemitism in our community. Recent studies have shown: Hate crimes in America disproportionately target Jews. Last year, according to
the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, 57% of all religiously motivated hate crimes were against Jews, who make up just 2% of the U.S. population. More information about the Shine the Light campaign is available at shinealighton.com. Social media handles being used in the campaign are: Instagram: @ShineALight_On Twitter: @ShineALight_On TikTok: @shinealighton Facebook:@ShineALightOnAntisemitism
Thanksgiving tradition Temple Israel’s Thanksgiving Dinner for Those In Need mobilized a host of volunteers and congregation staff to prepare, pack and distribute 500 Thanksgiving meals to homeless shelters, schools, early childhood development centers and independent living facilities around the St. Louis area. The TI provides meals to people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. View more photos and a video of the effort at stljewishlight.org/multimedia. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
JSU planning Dec. 5 gala
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Susan Feigenbaum and Jay Pepose and Bob Hardcastle will be the guests of honor at the 19th Annual Gala benefiting the Jewish Student Union (JSU) of St. Louis, held virtually at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Feigenbaum and Pepose met at Brandeis University, where Feigenbaum double-majored in economics and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, and Pepose earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology. Upon completion of their doctorates — Feigenbaum in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Pepose his medical and doctorate at UCLA and training in ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University — they had their first child, David, and looked for a city that would provide the best in professional and family opportunities. St. Louis fit that bill exceedingly well. In 1995, they had triplets — Max, Sam and Morissa — and in 1999, Jay established the Pepose Vision Institute in Chesterfield. All four children graduated from the Whitfield School, where Feigenbaum worked with Rabbi Mike Rovinsky to establish a JSU chapter. She was also active in the creation of a Hillel chapter at both Maryville University and University of Missouri- St. Louis. Feigenbaum and Pepose are members of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion (NHBZ) and are active at Chabad of Chesterfield. Both are ardent supporters of Israel and have been stalwart contributors to many Israeli educational, political, and medical organizations. The event’s other guest of honor, Bob Hardcastle, is president of Delta Investment Services. He is well known within the St. Louis community as the host of the radio program “Money Talk,” which has aired for more than 30 years. He also on weekdays does the Market Wrap-up and Thought for the Day on KTRS 550-AM. In addition, Hardcastle has authored four books and
has been a “Miracle Worker” for the St.
The Jewish Student Union gala will honor Drs. Susan Feigenbaum and Jay Pepose (above) and Bob Hardcastle (left).
Louis Variety Club Telethon. He also supports the Alzheimer’s Association and holds a place in the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. Hardcastle reignited his Jewish engagement in the late 1980’s when he received a call from Rabbi Ze’ev Smason offering to send him a “Rosh Hashana Survival Kit.” Hardcastle agreed, and that began his renewed Jewish journey. He has continued to look for ways to strengthen his Jewish knowledge and makes it a priority to study Torah with Smason and others every week. When not at work, Hardcastle enjoys spending time with his family: his wife, Jan; his son, Scott; his daughter, Jody; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also loves to write, swim, walk and pray. For more information about the Gala or to donate, visit www.jsustl.org/gala or call Rovinsky at 314-498-6279.
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NHBZ banquet set for Dec. 12 Nusach Hari B’nai Zion congregation announces its 116th Anniversary Banquet to be held on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Clayton Plaza Hotel. An hors d’oeuvres reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and program start at 6:30 p.m. The Guests of Honor are Fran and Lenny Alper. The HaKaras HaTov Award recipient is Alan Haber, and the Israel Advocacy Award recipient is Shaving Israel, represented by Dr. Laura Goldmeier. The Alpers are dedicated to keeping NHBZ a vibrant congregation. Lenny Alper is a fourth-generation member and has served as the synagogue’s president six times. He was instrumental in shaping NHBZ’s move to its current building and also has led many committees, projects and events. Fran Alper is active in many facets of the congregation and its Sisterhood. She has also served on NHBZ’s board of directors and countless committees. Alan Haber is a fixture at NHBZ. He can often be found attending minyan, leading services, teaching Hebrew and tutoring bar mitzvah students. Alan also volunteers extensively in the community, having helped build and maintain the St. Louis Community Eruv. Haber also volunteers for Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) and donates his time to teach basic computer skills to the elderly. All of this is done when Haber is not running his business, which involves repairing computers and training customers how to use them. Shaving Israel is an organization that educates U.S. citizens about the needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and funds the purchase of personal items, toiletries, food vouchers and other necessities from Israeli suppliers for IDF members who are in need or lacking family support. Rachel Goldman Miller founded the organization and Joel Levy served as its first president. Dr. Laura Goldmeier is the president and will accept NHBZ’s Israel Advocacy Award at the banquet. The cost for this banquet is $136 per person. For more information, call the NHBZ office at 314-991-2100, ext. 2 or email reservations@nhbz. org.
Nusach Hari B’nai Zion will honor Fran and Lenny Alper (above), Alan Haber (left) and Shaving Israel.
December 1, 2021
The J to honor longtime supporters, Jewish comedian This year’s Jewish Community Center’s J’la event, which will take place virtually on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., will honor Tim and Julie Stern. The Sterns and their family are longtime members, participants and supporters of the J, and have been a driving force in helping the organization serve the St. Louis Jewish community. The Sterns’ four daughters — Sydney, Andie, Ari and Mikki —“grew up at the J,” and their family has participated in dozens of our programs, including early childhood, the JCC Maccabi Games, kids’ triathlon, and Nishmah programs. The event will also feature stand-up comedian and Camp Sabra alum Amy Shanker, who along with her family, were dubbed “the Jewish Griswalds” by her friends. Proceeds from J’la will go to scholarships for struggling families who need help participating in the J’s many programs such as early childhood, J day camps, Camp Sabra and Adult Day at the J. General admission tickets to the virtu-
Tim and Julie Stern (above) will be honored at the J’la event Dec. 11, where comedian Amy Shanker (left) will perform. al J’la are $36; premium tickets at $180 include admission and a fun J branded camp lantern. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to jccstl.com/ jlagala or call Beth Box at 314-442-3109.
It’s not too late to save a life in Israel this year.
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Photo by Kobi Gideon / FLASH90
New Jewish Theatre offers cabaret nights in December The New Jewish Theatre will present “A Little Song, a Little Dance, a Little Seltzer Down Your Pants!” starring Eric Williams and Sharon Hunter on Dec. 18 and 19. “After the tremendous success of Ari Axelrod in October, the New Jewish Theatre is delighted to present another wonderful night of stellar cabaret performances by two wildly talented and funny artists,” said Eddie Coffield, artistic director of the New Jewish Theatre. “It will be a night of song and comedy, a night of good cheer – a great gift idea, too!” Sharon Hunter is a New York cabaret artist who has returned home to St. Louis. Eric Williams is an actor and comedian from St. Louis who now calls Los Angeles home. This dynamic duo will share stories and song in a performance that is sure to delight. These performances will take place Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Mirowitz Performing Arts Center at the J in Creve Coeur, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets are available online, by phone at 314-4424283 or at the NJT Box office.
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For more than 90 years, American donors have provided vehicles, training, and supplies to Israel’s national paramedic and Red Cross service, equipping them to treat the sick and injured under the most difficult circumstances and to save lives. In fact, this past year Magen David Adom’s 30,000 EMTs and paramedics have been on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus while also contending with terrorist and rocket attacks, riots, car accidents, and other threats to Israeli lives. If you want to make a real difference in Israel, no other organization has a greater impact on its people than Magen David Adom. Make an end-of-year donation at afmda.org/saving-lives-2021
afmda.org
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Foss: Brings art to STL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A In her painting, it may be a relationship among objects or a contrast of texture or color or just taking ‘a closer look’, but Foss says she believes art begins with the eye and how you see something.
Growing as an artist After she relocated to Santa Fe, which is a well-known artist’s haven, Foss was able to study with several fine artists through classes and workshops. “I’ve been happy to find how generous they are with their knowledge and encouragement to other artists,” she said. “I’ve learned something from every one of them, even though I felt more compatible with a few.” At first, she began painting with pastels, but just last year switched to water-based oils. “I like oils, for one thing, because they are so forgiving and I often scrape off a section of a painting I’m unhappy with and start again,” said Foss. “I like the fact they can be framed without the protection of glass or mats, making the experience of seeing the art more intimate.” Although she often ends up with paint all over herself as well as the canvas, she says she likes the texture and the physicality of painting with oils. “I’m a messy artist no matter what medium I’m using,” she explained. “I do also like the vibrancy of oil colors. When I hung all my paintings together, in preparation for my show, I was struck by how colorful they are as a group.”
Her Jewish journey in her art Foss converted to Judaism in the early 1980s after years of spiritual pursuit. “It was only after I moved to St. Louis that I found formal classes that could result in a conversion,” she recalled, adding that she went through the process at Central Reform Congregation. “I find Judaism and particularly the emphasis on leading a good life in the here and now, and the concept of tikkun olam to be congruent with my desire to explore the world and record some of its beauty and complexity. “Painting can be a prayer of appreciation, it can be a
Some of Foss’ art that will be featured at the Duane Reed Gallery starting Dec. 10. warning, it can simply be a reminder to slow down and look around.” In bringing her work back to St. Louis, Foss says she hopes people will see a bit of her point of view, as well as her regard and fascination with the people and the environment around us all. “Some of my paintings record just a tiny slice of life – a doorway, a dumpster, a cactus flower - they’re all about looking closely and appreciating everyday life and its simple, inherent beauty. One of my instructors told me I’m a narrative or ‘storyteller’ painter.” Knowing Foss and her background, that is not hard to believe at all.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS What are you grateful for?
It’s the everyday delights and special touches. The friends new, familiar and furry. Days rich in color and discovery. Evenings alight with smiles. It’s The Gatesworth. We’ve set the standard for exceptional senior living thanks to our Residents, our world-class staff and on-site ownership.
Moments and Memories by Karen Foss WHEN: Dec. 10-Jan. 8, with an artist reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 WHERE: Duane Reed Gallery, 4729 McPherson Ave. HOW MUCH: Free MORE INFO: The show came about after longtime St. Louis friend and fellow artist Jane Sauer introduced Foss to gallery owner Duane Reed. From there it did not take long for an exhibition of her work to come together.
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Pepper: Love of painting CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A “Camping is a good experience for kids,” she said. “I chose that because it’s something that has always meant a lot to me. It brings kids together and helps them meet lifelong friends. You get connected to the environment, learn how to swim and sail a boat. I went to Camp Hawthorn and my kids did, too.” Eddie Pepper refers to her as Picasso, in part because her work is distinctively abstract. Home and commercial design has been the family business for years, so she appreciates the importance of accent pieces to create a mood. She has no formal training as a painter, but it seems to come naturally. She is also comfortable experimenting with new techniques to achieve unique patterns. “I started taking drinking glasses and putting them in paint, then twisting them on the canvas to make circles,” she said. “Then I looked around the house to find other objects to use. I got a salt shaker that had a design on the bottom, so I stuck it in paint and twisted it on the canvas, too. I just try to see where my hand is going to go and how I can use the brush and mix colors to attract the viewer.” Pepper has also experimented with other techniques, such as using Q-tips to create dots. She also is thinking about poking holes in the canvas and applying a gold or silver material underneath to make the painting glitter. “I have a fan brush, and I learned to use it to make Lenore Pepper and Susan Block (right) of the Designing Block , where Pepper had a show that concluded Nov. 28. trees, and I get all these wonderful marks,” she said. “I have a neighbor who is a business psychologist. He said, ‘Lenore, I could psychoanalyze these paintings and tell a lot “great ethereal quality.” about you!’ ” “I think she’s doing a great job,” Block said. “Her paintings are by Skip Erwin She pointed to one painting with distinctive fall colors and what almost whimsical and have explosions of color.” seemed to be a plump bird. Pepper’s son Michael, CEO of Edwin Pepper & Associates, Skip Erwin wrote & “People say this looks like a turkey,” Pepper said. “See how I describes Lenore’s style as asymmetrical abstract and geometric broadcast sports shows played with color — sometimes you make a mistake, but I figured designs with floral and botanical motifs. for KMOX for 25 years. Member JCC & UMSL out how to expand on it and it turns out to be something. I like “She uses a very wispy brushstroke to create the stem or twig Sports Hall of Fame. color and I like texture, so I’m trying to figure out now how to mix of a plant, and then she’ll add bold color to get the floral part that textures.” you might see in nature,” he said. “She loves flowers, and spring As the clock ran out of the ColoradoSusan Block of the Designing Block said Pepper’s work has a is a time of rejuvenation when she loves to go out and plant. As Missouri football game Oct. 6, 1990 at Faurot long as I can remember, she would get new annuals and perenniField in Columbia, Mo., quarterback Charles Johnson scored the winning touchdown als. A few years ago, she went from living in a house with a vast from the one-yard-line to give Colorado a property to a condo where she doesn’t have the outlet to plant, so 33-31 victory over the Tigers. It became perhaps this is her outlet, to get to springtime planting through known as the “Fifth Down” play. her artwork. Before the play, Mizzou fans stormed on “It was mid-COVID when she got started. She was home and the other end of the field and began tearing down the goal posts. Before that, Colorado getting bored, so she bought some art supplies. She’s always been Coach Bill McCartney told the team to spike creative, but I didn’t realize how many paintings she had done the ball. “We can’t do that, coach. It will use until I went over, and she had 30 or 40 pieces. This ties two things up our fourth down when we spike the ball,” she firmly loves, nature and flowers. She’s able to use creativity said Colorado center Jay Leeuwenburg. for her art and to support her interest in philanthropy.” “You’re the player and you play,” said Mostly, Lenore said, she enjoys the freedom of creativity. She is McCartney. “I’m the coach and I coach, and this is what we’re doing.” already thinking beyond painting to creating mixed media disLeeuwenberg, still trying to make his point plays using found objects. in the huddle, was told by Johnson to “shut “My granddaughter studied sustainability in college, and so I’m up.” Many in the press box, including myself, looking for things that I might have considered throwing away were aware that Colorado had used up all that I can turn into art,” she said. “I have all these drawers of jewfour downs. In spite of Colorado scoring on the illegal play, photographs from local elry and a lot of it I never wear, so I took some of them and framed Columbia newspapers The Missourian and them and sewed them onto fabrics.”
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the Columbia Tribune showed Johnson flat on his back and the ball not over the goal line. Colorado, ranked 12th at the time, went on to win the National Championship. Missouri Coach Bob Stull, realizing the damage was done, didn’t want his team to dwell on the loss with seventh ranked Nebraska next and the game played in Lincoln. “If we can’t get that game off our mind, Nebraska will kill us,” he said. He was right, as Nebraska crushed Missouri 69-21. Missouri finished 4-7 for the season, and three years later, Stull was fired with a 15-38-2 record. Now 70, McCartney, a Missouri graduate, admitted, “This will never go away and when they put me in the ground, they’re probably going to do it four or five times.” In 1940, Cornell defeated Dartmouth on a fifth down play. Unlike Colorado, Cornell Coach Carl Snavely took a vote of his players, and gave the victory to Dartmouth. At the time, Cornell was ranked second in the nation and had won 18 straight games. Fifteen years later, when Snavely was coaching Washington U., I asked him about his fifth down play and the Bears classy coach told me, “Honor is more important than victory.”
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December 1, 2021
Kol Rinah welcomes Deborah Sacks Mintz Kol Rinah will host several events Dec. 10-12 with Deborah Sacks Mintz, an educator, practitioner, and facilitator of Jewish communal music. Through workshops, song-circles and tefilla experiences, she supports communities and individuals who seek to deepen their practice of empowered song and connective prayer. She released her debut album of original spiritual music, “The Narrow and the Expanse,” in 2020. She is pursuing rabbinic ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary. The events at Kol Rinah include:
Friday, Dec. 10
LOCAL NEWS
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
KC’s LGBTQ+ Rights exhibit comes to St. Louis The traveling exhibit, “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights” has come to St. Louis. Local businesses, individuals, civic and religious organizations collaborated to support hosting the display in St. Louis after learning the news of the removal of the traveling exhibit from the state capitol. The exhibit, created by students at the University of Missouri – Kansas City explores the activism of the early days of the LGBT movement in Kansas City and has been traveling the state since 2017. Various locations in St. Louis will host the exhibit through 2022. The first three locations are: • Through Dec.10 at the Cortex Innovation Community’s Civic Lounge in the Innovation Hall building, 4220 Duncan Ave. The building will be open 8
a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Dec. 11 through Jan. 5 at the Gallery at the District, 17105 North Outer 40 Road, Suite 207 in Chesterfield (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday). • Jan. 6 through Feb. 3 in the Food Hall at City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way. The exhibit aims to bring the story of LGBTQ+ people in the west side of the state to St. Louis. Making History complements existing initiatives and exhibits in the St. Louis area, including the Missouri History Museum’s Gateway to Pride virtual exhibit, which launched in January 2021. “The Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis is honored to count ourselves among the organizers of the effort to bring this remarkable exhibit to St. Louis,” Maharat Rori Picker Neiss,
executive director of Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis said in a statement. “It is essential that we learn from and honor the history and struggles of all peoples, and especially the LGBTQ+ community. As we see from the work of displaying the exhibit, these struggles are far from over, and we all have a part to play in building a brighter, more welcoming future for all people.” In St. Louis, the “Making History: The Rise of Gay Rights in Kansas City” exhibit is supported by a variety of partners from the interfaith and nonprofit community and local businesses. Some of the Jewish organizations supporting the effort are Central Reform Congregation, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis and National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis.
Celebrating Hanukkah
• 7 p.m. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv with Deborah Sacks Mintz, Rabbi Noah Arnow, Rabbi Scott Shafrin and Karen Kern • 8:15 p.m. Oneg Shabbat and Learning on “Boi Kallah, Shabbat HaMalka: Singing in the Divine.”
Saturday, Dec. 11 • 9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service • 3:30 p.m. Mincha • 4 p.m. “Singing at the Sea, Lamenting by the River,” a text-based class exploring two key Biblical narratives centering the outpouring of song punctuating our own learning with moments of melody and mindfulness. • 5:15 p.m. Ma’ariv • 5:30 p.m. Musical Havdalah and Melava Malka, closing out Shabbat together in song.
Sunday, Dec. 12 Deborah Sacks Mintz will join students at KoREH Religious School. The weekend is sponsored by the Irvin and Dolores Rubin Music Fund and the Sara and Leo Wolf Adult Education Fund. Required: Vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 36 hours of Shabbat. RSVP online at KolRinahStl. org or Kol Rinah office 314-727-1747 by Dec. 9. Friday and Saturday services will be streamed live.
At Delmar Gardens West, Activities Director Allison Ullrich lights a candle on the menorah with resident Mayer Taller. For a gallery of Hanukkah celebrations in St. Louis, visit stljewishlight.org/multimedia. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
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December 1, 2021
STL
OPINIONS
JEWISH LIGHT
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ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org.
D’VAR TORAH: PARASHAT MIKETZ
Hanukkah, Torah each bolster Jewish pride, engagement BY RABBI JEFFREY ABRAHAM
Our Torah portion this week, Parashat Miketz, focuses on Joseph’s rise to power and what transpires when he encounters his brothers after a lengthy hiatus. My focus has always been on the “what goes around, comes around” aspect of the story. The brothers are tricked by Joseph multiple times as he gets a semblance of revenge for their selling him into slavery. This allows his family to come to
Egypt and eventually for Joseph’s dreams to become a reality, as he ultimately rules over them. However, it also contains a salient aspect to our story, which is not only their reconciliation but our people being able to thrive in a foreign country. One question often asked is: “Why did the rabbis choose Miketz to always be read on the Shabbat during Hanukkah?” The core of our Hanukkah story focuses on the Greeks trying to oppress us and not
allowing us to practice Judaism. Rabbinic commentaries bring down that Joseph had deviated from Judaism by becoming an Egyptian (by force), and it is only when he meets his brothers again that he actively resumes practicing as a Jew. Even with all of the temptations of the assimilated, non-Jewish world, both Joseph in our parsha and the Maccabees in the Hanukkah story choose to actively remain Jewish. This is an important lesson for each of us. During this time of the year, in partic-
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham serves Congregation B’nai Amoona and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light. ular, and certainly in our world in general, there are numerous temptations that can pull us away from our Judaism and our core Jewish values. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we heed the lessons from this week and be reminded that we should be proud to be Jewish and take the sometimes difficult steps to remain active in our Jewish religion and community. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jewish students abroad facing antisemitic threats
The left’s ‘alternative facts’ about Israel People on the left often, rightly, criticize those on the right, for believing lies such as that vaccinations for COVID-19 do not work but horse pills do. But the left has its own “alternative facts” problem when it comes to Israel. It’s not necessarily their fault. As documented by former New York Times journalist Bari Weiss and former Associated Press journalist Matti Friedman, most major media outlets have settled on a “narrative” that is anti-Israel. Facts that don’t fit the narrative are reported in a slanted way or omitted altogether. Just as some anti-Vaxxers may believe they have “done the research” and are certain of what they “know,” many news consumers consider themselves well informed on Israel, but are in fact totally wrong. One example of this common but totally incorrect belief is that “white” racist Jews in Israel practice apartheid against “brown” Arabs. Apartheid was a horrifically unjust social system in South Africa that forced people of color to suffer countless indignities, and denied them political and economic rights. It was ended in part because of a world-wide boycott. This false charge has been manufactured against Israel, because if true, it would justify the BDS movement
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CARTOON: STEVE GREENBERG
We want to alert the community to some very brave Austrian Jewish students facing menacing antisemitic threats. On the recent anniversary of Kristallnacht, a group of Viennese Jewish students plastered new street signs on 23 streets still named after Nazis, highlighting the need for Austria to examine its history and conscience. The Austrian Neo-Nazi movement has seen a resurgence of late, driven in large part by “Corona-resistance” (those who see in COVID-19 a Jewish conspiracy). In early November a group of about 35 Neo-Nazis marched to the grave of Walter Nowotny, a World War II Luftwaffe ace credited with numerous kills of Allied flyers. Additionally, there’s rampant antisemitism on the left and among some recent Muslim migrants. Against this backdrop, the Austrian Jewish students took their action of renaming streets. The Neo-Nazi internet channel “Unwiderstehlich” (“Relentless”) issued a chilling mortal threat against the young brother and sister pair, Bini and Lara Guttmann, who led the student group. We have seen nothing about this in the U.S. media. At a time when wearing a kippah or supporting Israel can be an act of courage, we should stand with our brothers and sisters. You can leave a message of support on the Austrian Union of Jewish Students Facebook page (www. facebook.com/joehwien). If we don’t, who will? Matthew Grad Ariela Grad (President of Parkway North JSU)
(boycott, divestment, and sanctions) promoted by Israel’s enemies. The lie was recently repeated by our own Congressperson Cori Bush, and as reported in the Light, it was also alleged by another “progressive” Congress person at a St. Louis JStreet executive meeting. Israel is not “white.” Having secured the return home and self-determination of Jewish people previously exiled, scattered and persecuted throughout the world, the majority of Israel’s seven million Jews are people of color, emigrating from Arabic countries, Ethiopia, India, Asia and elsewhere. There is no apartheid in Israel, a country which is perhaps the single best example of full- fledged multi-culturalism anywhere in the world. The apartheid slander is another form of the Soviet/PLO created charge that “Zionism is Racism.” Its purpose is to delegitimize the world’s only Jewish State. As such, it meets the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism. The truth is that like all other Israeli ethnicities, many Arab citizens of all faiths in Israel serve as Israeli diplomats, journalists, hospital department heads, IDF generals and Supreme Court justices. Arab citizens have the same rights as any other Israeli citizen. The Ra’am Islamist party is an active and influential part of the current Israeli government. Israel is not the United States, and it is not South Africa. The charge that Israel practices apartheid is antisemitic and an insult to Israeli citizens of all backgrounds, to all Jews and to all victims of apartheid. All people of good will should speak up whenever this outrageous canard is raised, and particularly, when it is raised at the highest levels of our government. David Rubin St. Louis
Biggest problems facing U.S. Regarding Marty Rochester’s compelling commentary, “The five biggest problems facing the U.S. today” (Nov. 17), allow me to add an additional problem to Rochester’s list: gun violence. The number of shootings and killings permeating the United States is unconscionable, and is a daily occurrence not only in large cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit, but also in smaller metropolises such as right here in St. Louis. Despite all of the forums and conferences to address this egregious problem, nothing of substance seems to be working. I propose that any individual who uses a gun in the commission of a crime, if convicted, should be given a mandatory life sentence in prison, without the possibility of parole, regardless of whether or not the outcome results in no one being hurt, injured or killed. This would accomplish a dual purpose: getting that particular weapon off the street for good and incarcerating that individual for the rest of his or her life, whereby that person would never be free to commit another crime. This would serve as a warning and a deterrent to those who are bent upon using guns in pursuit of their criminal activities. This action would involve a heavy financial burden. Not only would a multitude of new prisons have to be built, but costly lifetime accommodations for these prisoners would have to be met. This would likely require higher taxes, but it would certainly be worth it. I would hope that politicians, both liberals and conservatives, together with the majority of the population, would give serious consideration to this proposal. People’s lives are at stake. Gene Carton University City
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December 1, 2021
OPINIONS
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Blended families create new holiday traditions BY RACHEL SPEZIA
Hanukkah holds an extra special place in my heart. That’s likely because it was the only Jewish holiday we celebrated when I was growing up. We were taught to be incredibly proud of our Jewish identity, but other than Hanukkah and the insane amount of matzah and peanut butter my grandmother consumed, being Jewish was mostly an internal badge of honor rather than a lived experience. But each night, year after year, our family gatherings at Hanukkah were meaningful. I remember my grandmother writing out the Hanukkah blessings phonetically when I was a child so that I could recite and learn them. The mismatched napkins we’d cover our heads with. The same Ziploc bag of quarters we’d use to play dreidel with. After my mom remarried, we started celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. And our Christmas family gatherings were also meaningful. We even had a Christmas ornament in the shape of a Hanukkiah. Fast forward to today. I learned a new word: Christmasizing. I’m no dictionary, but I understood this word to mean, “the application of phrases or graphics associated with Christmas to things that, well,
At left, Rachel and James Spezia with their son, Wolfie. Above, the family covers their heads with mismatched napkins while lighting the menorah. aren’t Christmas.” Things like my childhood Hanukkiah ornament. In learning this new term, I have come to find out that many people disapprove of the Christmasizing of Hanukkah. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of it is problematic such as using images of menorahs with the incorrect number of candles, which happens a lot. But, my childhood home — and now the home I share with my husband who isn’t Jewish — is represented in the term
A Hanukkah gift: Argue, don’t fight
Christmasizing. I’ll even go a step farther to say it’s also represented in the term “Hanukkahizing,” which happens each year when we pull out our Ziploc bag full of quarters to play dreidel on Dec. 25th and when we leave jelly donuts out for Santa instead of cookies. In fact, many homes — many Jewish homes — often have both the scent of onions and gingerbread in December or a closet full of red wrapping paper and blue. Many homes celebrate the miracles
David Suissa is editor-in-chief and publisher of Tribe Media Corp, and “Jewish Journal.” He can be reached at davids@jewishjournal.com.
BY DAVID SUISSA JEWISH JOURNAL
There’s an enormous difference between an argument and an attack. Calling someone a liar or a traitor is not an argument; it’s an attack. If you marshal facts and reason to make your case, that’s an argument. Have you noticed how so many arguments these days quickly unravel into nasty fights? OK, be honest: When you get an email, what kind of “information” gets your adrenaline pumping—a personal attack on someone or a reasoned argument about a serious issue? For most people, the personal attack, like juicy gossip, is simply irresistible. It’s like watching the aftermath of a car wreck or seeing someone being arrested—there’s a weird thrill in witnessing trouble of any kind. In the same way that popcorn tastes better than Brussels sprouts, it’s a bigger thrill to see a fight than a civil debate. It appeals to our primal appetites. As much as the Jewish tradition values reasoned argument, in the hard reality of communal life that tradition often succumbs to the thrill of the fight. I see it all the time. When people are outraged, they’re more inclined to take the gloves off than to think in Talmudic ways. I call it the “curse of being right.” Some people are so sure of themselves, so blinded by their passions, they will violate their own norms of decency. In that state, a polite person may become rude; a friendly person may become hostile; a calm person may become enraged. That is the curse of righteousness—it can bring out the worst in us. It can even make us forget who we are. But, you ask, when the stakes are so high, and if your opponents are so wrong and you must teach them a lesson, why not attack them if you think you’re right? Because it’s ugly, divisive and boringly empty. People who attack others—publicly, anonymously or otherwise—don’t enlighten but offer cheap thrills that spread gossip and division and leave everyone feeling empty and dirty. Try listening to some juicy gossip at a Shabbat table, or at any moment. It might give us a quick sugar high, but when we put down others to elevate ourselves, all we feel is emptiness. One of my favorite Jewish teachings is the idea
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of transcending our appetites. We’re not supposed to settle for quick hits and cheap thrills. Our tradition encourages us to be thoughtful at all times, even when (especially when!) our passions are inflamed. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to civil dialogue is when people are hypnotized by a cause. If you despise Donald Trump, if you think the Iran nuclear deal is an existential threat, if you feel violated by vaccine mandates, and on and on, you’re vulnerable to the curse of being right. The antidote to that curse is the blessing of curiosity. Open any page of Talmud and you’ll see the glorious offshoots of curiosity—careful listening, knowledgeable arguments, delightful complexity and a relentless commitment to civility. It’s not a coincidence that in determining Jewish law, our Sages took the side of the Hillel school over the uncompromising school of Shammai. As the Talmud explains in Tractate Eruvim: “On what basis did the School of Hillel merit that the law should be determined in accordance with its positions? Because they were gentle and kind, and they studied their own rulings plus those of Shammai. They were even so humble as to place the words of Shammai before their own.” There are more than five centuries of civil, complex debate gathered in our Talmud. Those 40 volumes are as much a Jewish treasure as the Five Books of Moses, because they bring the Torah into our everyday lives and help us refine our characters. Of course, our Sages had a big advantage over us: they weren’t distracted by smartphones, email and social media, so it was much easier for them to dig deep and be thoughtful. Today we must make a greater effort. I can’t think of a better Hanukkah gift than to spread the light of civility. Whether it’s in our personal or communal relations, let us not succumb to the curse of being right. Let us instead do the hard work of seeking knowledge, valuing complexity and arguing with decency. If you disagree, I’m open to a reasoned argument. I’ve learned over the years to love Brussels sprouts. I hear they’re really good for you. Happy Hanukkah. This article was first published by the Jewish Journal and JNS. org and is reprinted with permission.
of Hanukkah and the magic of Christmas (or the numerous other holidays that take place around this time). No matter if your light comes from a Hanukkiah or the top of a tree — may we all have peace and good health this season and always. Rachel Spezia is the Director of Communications at Congregation B’nai Amoona. She and her husband, James, have a son named Wolfie. They are members of B’nai Amoona.
A new addiction hiding in your child’s hand BY DEBRA KLEVENS
Houston, we have a problem. Have you seen your child’s grades slipping since returning to school? Have you checked your child’s weekly screen time? I believe there is a strong correlation. We now have a new addiction on our hands that no one is talking about. If you walk around any high school classroom in America that has a no cell phone policy, you will still see students snapping their friends, watching Netflix, texting, etc. We have a generation of students who spent the last 18 months tethered to their phone while they were supposed to be Zooming. While their foreheads or ceilings were on the screen, they had the freedom to do as they pleased. Now, we’ve returned to learning and teaches are fighting a losing battle. Teachers are having to teach students how to be students again. It’s frustrating, it’s tiring, it’s downright impacting learning and grades are reflective. Parents usually ask teachers to police their child’s phone. That is not our job. I’m not going to be responsible for a phone being lost or stolen on my watch. My job is to care for and to teach the children in front of me. When you ask students to put their phones in their backpacks, it goes to into their laps or under their thigh so they don’t miss a vibration from their soundless phone. Most teens are not capable of the freedom we have given them with phones. Parents, I urge you to inquire what your schools cell phone policies are. If there isn’t one, you should be concerned and ask the administration why not. Even the best kids are struggling with cell phone boundaries. Check your child’s weekly screen time. Check with their teachers to see if this is a problem. If it is, support your teachers, don’t make excuses for your kids. Consider blocking their screen time for Snapchat and movie streaming services during the school day. I can assure you, that you will see a difference in your child’s academics. Teachers are trying to help your child succeed and get the foundation to excel in our classrooms. We need your help in setting boundaries with your child’s cell phone. It has become an addiction that teachers simply can’t battle without your support. Debra Klevens, CJE (Certified Journalism Educator), has advised the national award-winning publications program at Parkway West High School for 22 years. Klevens is married to her husband, Michael, and is the mother of two daughters, Sydney and Zoe. Klevens is also a member of the Jewish Light Board of Trustees.
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December 1, 2021
STL
CHAILIGHTS
DEC
YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
Bais Abe movie night Synagogue Vegan Challenge
SATURDAY | Dec. 4 NHBZ discusses “Hanukkah: How to Pick Great Heroes”
Everyone needs a hero, even as adults. A hero expands our sense of what is possible for a human being to accomplish even during great adversity. Learn how to pick a hero to emulate when Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Ze’ev Smason discusses “How to Pick Great Heroes” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
Shabbat and Hanukkah niggun swap
Gather at Bais Abraham Congregation at 3:45 p.m. during the waning hours of Shabbat to sing together, revisiting familiar favorites and learning new tunes as well. Everyone is encouraged to bring a favorite Shabbat or Hanukkah tune to share with the group. If you don’t want to teach a tune, you can also come to sing along or even just listen, and all will enjoy Seudah Shelishit together, followed by Maariv. For more information, go to https://www.baisabe. com/event/niggunswap, office@baisabe. com or call 314-721-3030/
SUNDAY | Dec. 5 NHBZ Hanukkah lunch & party
It’s time to celebrate Hanukkah! Bring your entire family to NHBZ’s festive Hanukkah lunch and party from 12-3 p.m. Everyone will enjoy a delicious holiday lunch plus Bingo with prizes for kids and adults, as well as Way Cool Balloons by Mike Geerlof and chocolate gelt. Prices are: $18 for adults; $11 for kids 10 and under; and free for ages 3 and under. There is a $62 family cap. RSVP by Nov. 21 when prices will increase to $25, $16 and $87 family cap. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend. Masks required (when not eating) for all ages 3 and older. Proof of vaccination required for ages 12 and over. To RSVP and for more information, please call 314-991-2100 or go to office@ nhbz.org.
19th annual JSU gala See brief on Page 6A.
MONDAY | Dec. 6 The Baseball Talmud with Howard Megdal
You’ve heard of Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg and Cal Abrams. If you are curious to know more about Jewish involvement in baseball, don’t miss Howard Megdal’s talk at 10 a.m. about his soon-to-be-published expanded edition of The Baseball Talmud, covering fascinating stories, facts, and providing a historical narration of Major League Jewish Baseball in America. Megdal is a professional sportswriter who covers basketball, baseball, and other sports for news outlets from FiveThirtyEight to the New York Times. Many of you will remember his informative past sport-related presentations for the Mirowitz Center.
TUESDAY | Dec. 7 From Tankards to Teapots, the art of drinking beverages
From Tankards to Teapots, from coffee cups to chalices, from porcelain jugs to punch bowls, drinking was and still is an art. Please join Kol Rinah Sisterhood as we “Zoom in” on Coffee, Tea and Chocolate at 7
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Howard Megdal, author of “The Baseball Talmud,” will discuss Jews connection to the game during a Mirowitz Center event at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 6. p.m. and wrap the history of drinking around some of the many wonderful objects in the St Louis Art Museum’s permanent collection. RSVP for Zoom Link. For more information contact: Fran Kaar at g_kaar@ yahoo.com
WEDNESDAY | Dec. 8 New exhibitions at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
The Kemper Art Museum has recently reopened after being closed for renovation. Don’t miss your chance to join Tola Porter, Ph.D. Candidate in art history and archeology at Washington University and student educator at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, for an online tour at 10 a.m. Enjoy highlights from the museum’s permanent collection and see new gallery installations, including modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography. To register for this free, online program, visit http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter.
FRIDAY | Dec. 10 “On the Record” with Bob Cohn
On the second Friday of every other month from 11 a.m. to noon, join “On the Record” hosted by Bob Cohn, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Jewish Light, to discuss films, plays, and books on issues of concern to our community. The December topic will be “What Makes Great Leaders Great and Why Some Leaders Fail.” Using new books on Winston Churchill and on the FDR-Churchill Friendship, we will assess the strengths and weaknesses of these two historic figures. How essential were their inspirational speeches to winning the war against the Axis leaders? Can historic perspectives elevate leaders or diminish them? Have FDR and Churchill been treated kindly by historians? To register for this free, online program, visit http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter.
FRI.-SUN. | Dec. 10-12 Kol Rinah welcomes Deborah Sacks Mintz See related news brief on page 10A.
SATURDAY | Dec. 11 NHBZ discussion: “Are You a Good Listener?”
Hearing someone and actually listening to someone are two very different things. Are you a good listener? Lend us your ear and find out the answer when Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Ze’ev Smason asks, “Are You a Good Listener?” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend, and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
SUNDAY | Dec. 12
Mirowitz Center. Join from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to get an update on the political and social issues with which he is dealing. Before his election to the Knesset, Kariv served as the executive director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and worked on issues of freedom of religion and many religious and social causes. He helped establish Reform congregations in Israel, including one in the St. Louis Partnership Region of Megiddo, which from its inception has been supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. To register for this free, online program, visit http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter.
NHBZ announces its 116th anniversary banquet
NCJWSTL’s advocacy in action lunch & learn
Gather at Bais Abe at 7 p.m. for a showing of the documentary, “Forks Over Knives.” Vegan snacks, treats, and cocoa will be served. This program is part of the Synagogue Vegan Challenge initiative. All are welcome but an RSVP is appreciated at https:// www.baisabe.com/event/veganmovienight. For more information, go to https://www. baisabe.com/event/veganmovienight office@baisabe.com or call 314-721-3030
See related news brief on page 7A.
TUESDAY | Dec. 14 Immigration and border challenges with Gene McNary
From 10 to 11 a.m., join the Mirowitz Center for a presentation by Gene McNary, former St. Louis County chief executive and appointed commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). As commissioner, McNary worked to increase the efficiency of agency operations and centralize INS management, budget controls, and policymaking at Headquarters. He also sought to balance effective enforcement of immigration laws with compassion. This program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center. To register for this free, online program, visit http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter.
Tech Tutor: Hardware helper
For those looking for assistance with their technology devices and wanting to acquire new skills, in-person appointments are available at the Mirowitz Center. Tech Tutor’s free in-person classes take place Mondays from 1 to 3:30 p.m., in 30-minute increments and are led by two extraordinarily qualified instructors, Larry Edison and Jim Salih. Please plan to wear a mask, sanitize your hands and maintain social distance. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to jo-liver@mirowitzcenter.org
WEDNESDAY | Dec. 15 Sharsheret’s breast and ovarian cancer support group
The cliché stating that the wheels of justice turn slowly is especially true when it comes to survivors of domestic violence. Despite much pro-gress, the legal system continues to pose many challenges, and cases can linger in the system for months, if not years. Is there anything we can do to help? NCJWSTL is excited to welcome back Jaclyn Driscoll, formerly of St. Louis Public Radio and current spokesperson for Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, who will speak from noon to 1 p.m. about her personal experience with domestic violence and the inadequate process of the justice system. She will also discuss how we can become better advocates on behalf of survivors. Please click here to RSVP and receive your login information. If you have any questions, contact Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org.
SAT. & SUN. | Dec. 18-19 NJT cabaret nights
See related news brief on page 7A.
SUNDAY | Dec. 19 Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom for the foreseeable future at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-5197512 Jews in Science series continues Kol Rinah ’s Jews in Science series continues with a look at the work of late psychiatrist/ psychologist Aaron T. Beck, considered the founder of cognitive behavior therapy. Dr. Randi Mozenter, a clinical psychologist, will lead the presentation at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Visit www.kolrinahstl.org/vereinhome.html for more information or to RSVP.
Jews in Science series continues
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-4423266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Sharsheret Supports STL is a program of the J’s Nishmah and a partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization.
Kol Rinah ’s Jews in Science series continues with a look at the work of late psychiatrist/psychologist Aaron T. Beck, considered the founder of cognitive behavior therapy. Dr. Randi Mozenter, a clinical psychologist, will lead Aaron T. Beck the presentation at 4 Founder of cognip.m. via Zoom. Visit tive behavior therawww.kolrinahstl.org/ py vereinhome.html for more information or to RSVP.
THURSDAY | Dec. 16
ONGOING
Hear from first Reform rabbi elected to Knesset
Teen schmooze at NHBZ
In March 2021, Gilad Kariv, became the first Reform rabbi elected to the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, and currently serves as the Head of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. For reasons beyond his control, Rabbi Kariv had to cancel his previously scheduled presentations for the
Come schmooze with Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Avi Okin. Teen Schmooze meets in person every Sunday on the NHBZ patio in a relaxed group setting. Middle schoolers meet from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and high schoolers meet from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Refreshments are served. To ask questions or to RSVP, contact Okin at aviokin@nhbz.org.
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STL
JEWISH LITE JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Sumsum
46. Get set to be photographed
1. Real dump
10. It hangs out in your mouth
47. Signs up (var.)
5. *Big Book of Jonah character 9. “Lazy” woman? 14. Carry out an order
51. Like cards in a crooked deck
11. Gets the job done
53. One in a minyan
13. Refusal from a lad
55. Partaking in a shidduch match
16. “___ broken clock is right....”
58. Fur of note
17. *Something used for carpas, simply
62. *One can grow to be “giant” in northern Israel
20. Bold
66. Great Rav Yosef
24. Seminary study: Abbr. 26. ___ made in heaven 29. Some Kosher wines 31. Bone (prefix) 33. “Estadio” cheer
67. Four equivalent
31. *Branch of peace
68. *One can grow to be quite large in southern Israel
32. Cup brand 35. Agag and Saul, to each other
69. MIT part (Abbr.)
36. Nuclear Niels 37. Kind of chalav
Down
34. Arctic Ocean sheet 36. Beck’s, e.g., to the Germans 37. *Genesis villain
38. Winemaking valley
1. Name of the second Lubavitcher Rebbe
39. A mashgiach might give it
2. Peninsula of Europe
41. “America’s Got Talent” judge
3. They might not get invited to a lot of BBQs
40. Chanukah item attached to the starred clues in this puzzle
4. Sees 5. Govt. flight regulator
41. *Kind of home rarely seen in Israel
6. It used to be (The) Larome
42. Athletic trainer’s roll
8. One at YULA or Ramaz
45. Fiverr or Waze
9. *American equivalent of (Rechov)
44. Big name in outdoor gear 46. *Bamba need 48. Friend of Ahsoka and Mace
7. For ___
43. Great Israelite Judge
43. Connecticut senator, 1981-2011
49. Like what comes out of the “swords” of 48-Down
6
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22. “I can’t believe ___ the whole thing.” (Homer Simpson)
28. Mister, to the Germans
65. Chips thrown on a table
23. ___ Od Milvado
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64. Awful mistake
21. Freestyle skiing jumps
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19. Leather with a soft surface
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54. Stale, say
15. Santa winds
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By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Alternative Fuels’ Difficulty: Challenging
Across
Page 15A
December 1, 2021
JEWISH LIGHT
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JEWISH LIGHT
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120 years ago, our ancestors saw struggles within our Jewish community and created the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Today, our friends and neighbors still struggle. Federation, with the help of our community partners, addresses those needs. You can make a difference! Before you ring in 2022, remember those in need this year. Donate today. It’s simple. Visit our website, scan the QR code, or call us. Donate online at JFedSTL.org/DEOY
Scan our QR code
Or call 314-442-3831 to make a pledge
FUNDER. COMMUNICATOR. CONVENER.
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FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
LIFESTYLES
DeWitt family hatched connection to baseball long before purchasing the Cardinals BY ERIC BERGER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
If you had asked me until recently about the DeWitt family, I would have told you that they are a wealthy local clan that bought the St. Louis Cardinals from Anheuser-Busch in the 1990s. Just millionaires buying assets from a large corporation, it seemed. I had no idea that the family’s connection to baseball started under humble circumstances more than a century ago. Thankfully, Burton and Benita Boxerman helped me, a supposed big St. Louis baseball fan, realize my ignorance with their new book, “Bill DeWitt Sr.: Patriarch of a Baseball Family.” The biography of the father of Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. tells the story of how he rose from a concessionaire at the former Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis to become an executive with six Major League Baseball teams who shaped parts of the game that remain today. In an interview, Burton Boxerman agreed that most Cardinals fans probably aren’t aware of the DeWitt family history. “I’m willing to bet that minimum 85% of Cardinals fans in St. Louis don’t know anything about Bill DeWitt,” said Boxerman, a local Jewish author who, together with his wife, Benita, has written a number of books on baseball history, including ones on Jews’ connection to the game. The Boxermans got the idea to write the DeWitt biography while conducting research for their previous book, “George Weiss: Architect of the Golden Age Yankees,” about the general manager of the Yankees who orchestrated one of the team’s most successful runs. They found a press clipping about the Yankees hiring an assistant to Weiss, William O. DeWitt, who was described as an “astute baseball man,” the authors write in a preface to the new biography. “We kept coming across Bill DeWitt,” Benita Boxerman said of their research. DeWitt, born in 1902 in St. Louis, entered the baseball business in 1916, when he was hired to work the concessions at Sportsman’s Park, then the home
Burton and Benita Boxerman, local Jewish authors, have written a new book “Bill DeWitt Sr.: Patriarch of a Baseball Family.” PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN of the Browns. Baseball legend Branch Rickey, best known for later breaking the game’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, then needed an assistant. The Browns’ groundskeeper suggested DeWitt. The manager of the concessions department also recommended him, telling Rickey that DeWitt “packs the correct number of peanuts and keeps track of other things for me. Comes in after school, and I know he wants to work all summer.” Rickey hired DeWitt, and so began a mentorship that helped lift DeWitt up from a teenager who packed peanuts to an owner who tried to pack stadiums. Before leaving to serve in World War I, Rickey “gave explicit instructions to DeWitt regarding his education. He was to study typing and shorthand at night and
get a job during the day,” the authors write. “DeWitt took Rickey’s advice.” After the war in 1919, Rickey joined the Cardinals. He developed the concept of a farm system — a major league team would sign young players and assign them to minor league clubs for development — and DeWitt became the “de factor director” of the team’s system, the authors write. In 1935, when the Browns were in financial trouble, the team president asked Rickey for help finding a new owner. Rickey delegated that task to DeWitt. He and the president of a small loan firm developed a plan to sell stock in the team to St. Louisans for $5 a share, along with larger investments. DeWitt submitted $25,000 and switched from the Cardinals back to the Browns and became vice pres-
ident and general manager. DeWitt and his brother Charley purchased a majority share of the team in 1949 but sold it in 1951 to former Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck. After AnheuserBusch bought the Cardinals in 1953, Veeck decided that he could not compete with them in the local market and sold them to an owner who moved the team to Baltimore and changed its name to the Orioles. DeWitt followed the team and served as director of farm operations. His career also included stints with the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. He won a pennant with each team. In 1982, DeWitt died at his home in Cincinnati and was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Louis. About 14 years later, the family returned to the baseball business in St. Louis when DeWitt’s son purchased the Cardinals and nearby property for $150 million from Anheuser-Busch. Both DeWitt Sr. and DeWitt Jr., as is inevitable in professional sports, were criticized for personnel moves. As owner of the Reds, DeWitt Sr. traded future Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson and defended it by saying that Robinson was “not a young 30” years old, the authors report. (Robinson, who went on to play for 11 more seasons including six with the Orioles, said he never spoke to DeWitt again.) Subsequent generations of the DeWitt family — Bill DeWitt III is now the Cardinals president — have raised some eyebrows, recently when the team fired manager Mike Shildt after a season in which the team won 17 straight games to make the playoffs. (The book on that move cannot yet be written.) But unlike other professional sports owners — see the Rams’ Stan Kroenke — the DeWitt family is not just in the game to turn a profit, Burton Boxerman said. “I know there are certain owners that are in it only for the money,” Burton said. “The DeWitts loved baseball.” Benita added, “They loved St. Louis.”
AMY FENSTER BROWN
8 fun ‘facts’ for Hannu- … Chana- … however you spell it BY AMY FENSTER BROWN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Thanksgiving came to a close last week and just as we finished our leftovers, Chanukah showed up. So did Hanukkah, Hannuka and the other dozen or so ways the holiday gets spelled. I especially like the rare and elusive spelling Xanukah, because it reminds me of the glorious 1980 film “Xanadu” featuring Olivia Newton-John, a dreamy soundtrack and lots of roller skating. Just as there are many ways to spell the arguably minor Jewish holiday that has turned major due to commercialism, there are many fun facts (that aren’t actually facts, just things I made up) beyond Adam Sandler’s famous song. Here are eight, one for each night: 1. Miracles: You’ve likely seen this meme before but, if not, allow me to share a
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modern way to describe the Festival of Lights from the eyes of a teenager. Think of the miracle of Hanukah in terms of your cell phone if it had only 10% battery left but somehow lasted for eight days. Boom. Consider yourself educated. 2. Food: We Jews love to bring food into every holiday, family celebration and life cycle event. It always involves eating, whether the occasion is happy or sad. We’re Jews, we suffered, let’s eat. Chanuka is a deliciously convenient excuse to eat fried foods by saying, “Well, the oil lasted eight nights, so let’s use oil as our theme in a symbolic way to sizzle up some potatoes and dough balls, top them with sour cream and applesauce, fill them with grape jelly and call it a party.” You’ve worked in fruit with the apples and grapes, and the
sour cream has calcium, which is good for your bones. Gelt is a highlight simply because it is chocolate. Mama’s tummy hurts. 3. Retail: What is with the llamas for Hanuka? Happy Llamakuh? Did I miss a lesson in Sunday school about llamas being a part of the Great Miracle? This year, I have seen Hannukah-themed gnomes at the stores, again worrying I missed another religious school lesson; a Monthly columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.
decorative pillow that reads, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” (wrong holiday); and random blue plates and vases stuffed into the display simply because they are blue. Weak. I’ve also seen scented candles with Jewish stars and menorahs on them but no discernable Chanukka scent, such as hot oil stench or the disappointment of a spoiled teenage girl who wanted a tight cropped tank top but received a bulky sweatshirt with teddy bears holding hearts that says: “Bubbe loves me beary much.” 4. Decorations: I fall right into the trap of wanting to make Hannukkah bigger than it really is. (There’s a joke in there that isn’t fit to print in this publication, but you can probably figure it out, which is my gift to you.) I decorate the house with anything blue and silver I can find, such as little See AMY FENSTER BROWN on page 5B
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Jewish talent to watch this holiday movie season BY NATE BLOOM
West Side Story opens Dec. 10 in theaters.
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
A film re-make of “West Side Story” opens on Dec. 10. The film was directed by STEVEN SPIELBERG, 74, and the screenplay was written by TONY KUSHNER, 65. They first worked together on Spielberg’s acclaimed film “Lincoln” (2012), which earned Kushner an Oscar-nomination for his “Lincoln” screenplay, and Spielberg a best director nomination. They also teamed-up for “The Fabelmans,” a semi-autobiographical film about Spielberg’s “coming-of-age” years that will open in 2022. Spielberg directed and co-wrote the original screenplay with Kushner. Here’s a little bit about West Side Story’s “very Jewish” origin story. Around 1955, choreographer JEROME ROBBINS pitched the idea of a modernized musical version of “Romeo & Juliet.” Romeo would be a young Irish Catholic guy, and Juliet would be a Jewish teenage Holocaust survivor. “Everybody” eventually agreed that this update didn’t work. It was too much like “Abie’s Irish Rose,” a schmaltzy hit play about a Catholic/Jewish couple. Not long after, news stories appeared about gang fights between white kids and recent Puerto Rican immigrants. They decided to make Juliet (Maria), Puerto Rican, and Romeo (Tony), a native-born white guy. The Broadway creative team was “all Jewish”: Robbins directed and choreographed; ARTHUR LAURENTS penned the “book” (story, dialogue); LEONARD BERNSTEIN wrote the music; and STEPHEN SONDHEIM, who died on Nov. 26, at age 91, penned the lyrics. The Broadway musical (1957) was a smash-hit, as was the 1961 film. The new film is “still” set in the ’50s. It retains the original score and closely follows Laurents’ “book.” COREY STOLL, 45, has a supporting role as police lieutenant Schrank and Ansel Elgort, 27, co-stars as Tony. Elgort has an interesting Jewish background. My sense is that he’s secular. Ansel’s mother is of non-Jewish background. His mother’s mother was sent to a Nazi concentration camp for saving Jewish children. Ansel’s father, ARTHUR ELGORT, 81, is a wellknown fashion photographer. Arthur’s father was Jewish but his mother wasn’t born Jewish. Arthur made comments in an interview that make me believe he was raised Jewish and that’s its possible his mother converted to Judaism. “The Humans,” had a very limited theater opening last week and, at the same time, began streaming on Showtime. It is based on a one-act play by Stephen Karam that won (2016), the Tony for best play. The film was written and directed by Karam, a Scranton native of Lebanese Christian
PHOTO CREDIT: 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS
OSTROY 62, directed the HBO film and he is a major character in the film: He pushed the police to re-investigate Shelly’s death; he raised their daughter, SOPHIE, now 17; and he founded a big arts foundation bearing Shelly’s name. Shelly was born Amy Levine and grewup on Long Island. She gained some fame as the star of several well-received indie films in the 1990s. However, she’s best remembered for “Waitress,” a film that she wrote and directed that was released just after her death. This feminist comedy/ drama got very good reviews and, in 2015, a musical version of “Waitress” opened. It ran on Broadway for four years. Actor Corey Stoll has a supporting role in the new ‘West Side Story.’ PHOTO: GAGE SKIDMORE, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
background. Very basic plot: Brigid Blake (BEANIE FELDSTEIN, 28), a musician, a musician, and her boyfriend, Richard (Steven Yuen), live-in a run-down Manhattan apartment. Brigid’s parents, Erik (Richard Jenkins) and Deidre (Jayne Houdyshell) drive-in from Scranton to celebrate Thanksgiving with Brigid. They are joined by Aimee, Brigid’s sister (AMY SCHUMER, 40), who is a lawyer in Philadelphia, and Momo (JUNE SQUIBB, 82), Erik’s mother, who is suffering from Alzheimers. Gradually, a lot of family secrets and problems are exposed. On Dec. 1, HBO begins streaming the documentary “Adrienne,” about the life of actress/writer/director ADRIENNE SHELLY (1966-20006). Shelly’s death was the subject of headlines when it became clear that she did not commit suicide, as the police first thought, but that she was brutally murdered by a construction worker in her building. Her husband, ANDY
The HBO Max series “And Just Like That” (a “re-boot” of “Sex and the City”) begins streaming on Dec. 9. SARAH JESSICA PARKER, 55, who plays star character Carrie, is in the re-boot, as is EVAN HANDLER, 60, who plays Harry, the Jewish husband of star character Charlotte (who converted to Judaism before marrying Harry). Sad to note: WILLIE GARSON, who played Stanford, Carrie’s gay friend, was reported to be in the re-boot earlier this year. But it’s unclear if Garson filmed any episodes before he died (Sept. 17) of pancreatic cancer.
ers, are tasked with creating baked goods for the holidays (which basically means Christmas after the first episode). The teams are made-up of spouses, siblings, and good friends. They can win cash prizes if their creation is the favorite of the judges. The judges are four elderly grandmothers with baking experience. Here are their names as related by People magazine: Anne “Grandma” Leonhard, Norma “Bubbe” Zager, Sherri “Gigi” Williams, and Harriet “Nana” Robin. I believe that Zager is the same (Jewish) “Norma Zager” who has frequently contributed articles to the Jewish media on various subjects. The hosts are MAYA RUDOLPH, 49, and ANDY SAMBERG, 43. The advance publicity says they will not just host, but will “provide comedic and musical commentary on the action.”
“Bakin’ It” is a six-episode series that will begin streaming on the Peacock channel on Dec. 2. New episodes premiere each successive Thursday. It appears that this show will be part of the “free section” of Peacock offerings — not the paid subscriber part. The exciting news is that the first episode is a Hanukkah baking competition. Here’s the show’s basic premise: eight teams, each consisting of two home bak-
Sarah Jessica Parker staring as Carrie Bradshaw in ‘Sex and the City’ reboot, airing Dec. 9 on HBO Max. PHOTO: GEORGES BIARD
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NANCY KRANZBERG — THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
Surrealism continues to challenge perceptions BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
When talking to people about today’s world, many folks refer to the surreal times in which we are living. The term surreal just keeps popping up. I just checked my email and see that the Metropolitan Museum in New York City is featuring an exhibition on surrealism. The surrealists were fascinated by dreams, desires, magic, sexuality and the revolutionary power of art to transform how we understand the world. Wikipedia says that surrealism was a cultural movement that developed in Europe in the aftermath of World War I and was largely influenced by Dada. The movement was best known for its visual artworks and writings and the juxtaposition of distant realities to activate the unconscious mind through the imagery. In a wall text from an exhibition of surrealism at the Tate Gallery in London, surrealism is described as “aiming to revolutionize human experience. It balances a rational vision of life with one that asserts the power of the unconscious and dreams. The movement’s artists find magic and strange beauty in the unexpected and uncanny, the disregarded and the unconventional. At the core of their work is the willingness to challenge imposed values and norms, and search for freedom.” James Voorhies, from the Department of European Paintings at the MET, wrote in 2004, “Surrealism originated in the late
1910s and early ‘20s as a literary movement that experimented with a new mode of expression called automatic writing, or automatism, which sought to release the unbridled imagination of the subconscious. Officially consecrated in Paris in 1924 with the publication of the ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’ by the poet and critic Andre Breton (1896-1966). “Surrealism became an international intellectual and political movement. Breton and other intellectuals of his time were influenced by the psychological dream theories of Sigmund Freud and political ideas of Karl Marx. The cerebral and irrational tenets of Surrealism find their ancestry in the clever and whimsical disregard for tradition fostered by Dadaism a decade earlier.” Three surrealist artists that come to mind are Yves Tanguy, Salvadore Dali, and Rene Magritte. There are dozens more that are all well known. Tanguy was in many respects the quintessential surrealist. Google and have a look at some of his works. He was a sociable eccentric who ate spiders as a party trick and a close friend of Breton’s. He was best known for his misshapen rocks and molten surfaces that lent definition to the surrealistic aesthetic. Psychiatrist Carl Jung used a canvas by Tanguy to illustrate his theory of the collective unconscious. Dali was influenced by Freud and Freud’s writing on the erotic significance of subconscious imagery and his affiliation with Paris surrealists who sought to establish a
For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the first Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra.org. greater reality of the human subconscious. Magritte became well-known for depicting ordinary objects in an unusual context. His work is known for challenging observers’ preconditioned perceptions of reality. MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, recently had an exhibition that featured the importance of women in the Surrealism movement. Maret Oppenheim’s “Cup, Saucer, and Spoon” showed these objects covered in fur made one want to touch them and yet were very repulsive. And Frida Kahlo, who didn’t consider herself a surrealistic artist, of course was featured with her bizarre and unreal works. Our own curator of modern and contemporary art at the St. Louis Art Museum, Hannah Klemm, says, “Surrealism came out of a moment of social and political change in the 1920s in Europe, between the two World Wars. Yet all over the world artists at this time were turning to dreams, the unconscious or the seemingly irrational as ways to explore important issues from the personal to the collective.”
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Klemm notes, “At the St. Louis Art Museum works by surrealist artists like Alberto Giacometti’s ‘Hands Holding the Void (Invisible Object),’ made in 1934-35, embody the feeling of psychological alienation. Or Max Ernst’s ‘Long Live Love’ or ‘Charming Country,’ from1923, emphasizes the uncanny. In it, two dream-like figures appear entwined within a hollow tree trunk. Even almost a century later, surrealism’s dreamy mode has continued to be influential to contemporary artists and contemporary viewers alike.” The description of “Surrealism Beyond Borders,” the exhibition now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC says that nearly from its inception, surrealism has had an international scope, but understanding of the movement has come primarily through a Western European orientation. This major exhibition reconsiders the true “movement” of surrealism beyond boundaries of geography and chronology — presenting it as networks that span Eastern Europe to the Carribean, Asia to North Africa, and Australia to Latin America. Including examples from almost eight decades, produced across at least 45 countries, the exhibition offers a fresh appraisal of some of the collective concerns and exchanges—as well as historical, national and local distinctions — that will recast appreciation of this most revolutionary and globe-spanning movement. It’s fascinating to look at these strange works, but I frankly would like to snap-out of this dreamlike haze that I’ve been in.
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2022 Grammy Awards: The Jewish nominees, from Doja Cat to Drake to an Israeli cellist BY SHIRA HANAU JTA
Some of the music industry’s most popular Jewish artists were included in the 2022 Grammy Award nominations unveiled on Tuesday. Here’s a roundup: Doja Cat, a Black and Jewish pop star-rapper hybrid who has become one of the most listened-to artists in the world — Spotify lists her as the 7th-most-streamed musician on its platform as of Wednesday morning — racked up nominations in in seven categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Melodic Rap Performance and Rap Song. She has a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish South African father. Jewish day school grad Jack Antonoff, who wore a Star of David necklace to the MTV Music Awards in 2017, has become one of the most in-demand pop producers in the industry. He was nominated for Non-Classical Producer of the Year for his
Jack Antonoff (left) received a Grammy Award nomination for Non-Classical Producer of the Year. LORNE THOMSON/REDFERNS/GETTY IMAGES
Stephen Schwartz received a nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. PHOTO: NATHAN JOHNSON work in the past year with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Ray, Lorde and others. Canadian Jewish rapper Drake, winner of four past Grammys (in addition to a record-breaking 29 Billboard Music Awards), was nominated for Best Rap Performance for his hit “Way 2 Sexy” and
Best Rap Album of the year for his latest LP, “Certified Lover Boy.” Despite having once participated in a mock re-staging of his bar mitzvah on “Saturday Night Live,” he has been guarded in recent years in talking about his Jewish identity. Stephen Schwartz, the legendary musi-
cal theater writer, was nominated for Best Musical Theater Album for “Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots,” a scrapbook musical including songs from a range of his musicals, including “Wicked,” “Pippin” and “Godspell.” Aaron Dessner, part of the indie rock band The National, was included in Taylor Swift’s nomination in the Album of the Year category for the album “Evermore,” which he helped write, along with Antonoff. (The pair did the same with Swift’s “Folklore” album last year.) Dessner’s brother Bryce, who is also in The National and was also included in the nomination for helping in the recording process, wrote a classical music piece in 2013 partially inspired by their Jewish grandmother’s heritage and immigration to the United States. Israeli cellist Matt Haimovitz was co-nominated for his work on an album up for Best Classical Solo Voice Album. He was also nominated last year in the classical compendium category. The awards ceremony will take place Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.
Amy Fenster Brown: 8 fun ‘facts’ for Hannu- … Chana- … whatever CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B round orbs traditionally known as “Christmas ornaments.” This year I filled a little tray with said orbs, dreidels and pieces of gelt. Festive. Much like our retailers in item No. 3 above, I’ll just pepper the house in blue and silver and sparkles and glitter … a move I will later lament when I attempt to clean it all up and realize the magnitude of the concept that glitter is the herpes of the craft world because you can never actually get rid of it. 5. Seasonal wear: Ugly Christmas sweaters aren’t just for Christmas anymore, gang. Channukkah sweaters that say things like “Get lit!” are everywhere. I
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saw one with a menorah and a little battery inside that actually lights up. If you have a relative who likes to toss back a few cocktails to get lit in their own festive way, this is the perfect gift for them. You can also find lots of themed pajamas, socks and those headbands that look like antennae with Jewish stars that bounce around. It’s also a good gift for that relative who likes to get shickered. 6. Family: You have eight nights to get together with the whole mishpuchah. Have plans with this side one night and that side another or invite them all at once for a party that’ll make you dizzier than a spinning dreidel. Enjoy fun things like when Aunt Rosie shoves rolls in her purse when
she thinks no one is looking. Family friends love to celebrate, too. Think about including non-Jewish friends who want to learn your traditions. The best times are happening right now, so take advantage and enjoy those you love and who love you, even if on the first night your sister said, “Oh you’re letting your hair go gray. That’ll be different!” (Reminder, don’t be a week late in your hair color maintenance when you have a full social calendar.) A couple of quiet nights at home with a little low-key menorah lighting will round out the holiday. 7. Lighting the candles: I think we can all relate to the mild panic that sets in as the candles burn themselves out, you
smell it and think either, “Whoa, is something on fire?” or, “It smells like a birthday party, is there cake?” 8. Returning gifts: Something doesn’t fit someone, or it isn’t the right color, or you’re allergic to it. It’s going back. The gift receipt is the actual gift that keeps on giving because you can pick out something you really want. Having Chanuqa early this year is particularly handy because most holiday returns won’t happen until very late December or early January. Still, I wish you the best of luck, because you’ll likely find yourself in customer service in line behind that teenager with the teddy bear sweatshirt.
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Beckie Jacobs, owner of Serendipity Handmade Ice Cream, will open a second location just after the first of the year. It will be located at 4400 Manchester Road in the Grove neighborhood. Jacobs attends Congregation Shaare Emeth. Joanne Waldman has received the Retirement Catalyst Award from the Retirement Coaches Association. This honor recognizes people who had a positive effect on improving the field of retirement planning. Waldman is the owner of New Perspective Coaching where she works with executives and professionals to plan their retirement. A licensed counselor in Missouri, Waldman is also a nationally certified counselor and a nationally certified gerontological counselor. The Sheldon Arts Foundation has announced the appointment of Stefanie Kirkland as director of programming, a new position for the organization. She will be responsible for unifying its artistic offerings, finding synergies between the concert hall and art galleries, and seeking out community partners and collaborators. Kirkland joins the Sheldon after more than 16 years with Craft Alliance, most recently serving as its deputy director. She is the owner of Turn restaurant in Grand Center with her husband, chef David Kirkland. Former St. Louisan Brad Lander has been elected comptroller of New York City. He previously served three terms on the New York City Council. Lander will be sworn in Jan. 1.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Beckie Jacobs, Joanne Waldman, Stefanie Kirkland, Brad Lander, Jeremy Goldmeier and Cary Mogerman. SECOND ROW: Mark Wrighton, Thomas G. Glick, Lynnsie Kantor, M. Gilbert Grand, Rebecca Langsam and Georgia Bland. AT RIGHT: Addie Kerner and Katie Eisenman. Jeremy Goldmeier is social media manager in the marketing and communications department at the University of MissouriSt. Louis. He was previously the director of communications at Shaare Emeth. Cary Mogerman, partner and practice group leader at Carmody MacDonald family law group, has been installed as president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a professional organization for matrimonial and family law
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lawyers in the United States. He is a member of Congregation Temple Israel. Mark Wrighton, former chancellor of Washington University, will serve as George Washington University’s interim president beginning Jan. 1 for 18 months. He will prepare the university for a search for a permanent president. Wrighton will then return to Washington University to continue as the James and Mary Wertsch Distinguished University Professor. Thomas G. Glick has resumed a solo law practice. The Law Offices of Thomas G. Glick on Laclede’s Landing specializes in wills, trusts, powers of attorney guardians, and probate and estate litigation. Glick attends Temple Israel. Lynnsie Kantor and her partner, Craig Burfield, of the Burfield Kantor Group, ranked seventh in their office and 14th in their company of 450 agents. They are affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance in St. Louis. Kantor attends Congregation B’nai Amoona and Central Reform Congregation. Dr. M. Gilbert Grand, a vitreo-retinal surgeon with the Retina Institute, has been elected to the Retina Hall of Fame. The Retina Hall of Fame recognizes retina specialists for innovation and dedication to patient care, research, education and leadership. Grand has authored more than 100 scientific papers as well as several book
chapters. He is a member of Shaare Emeth. Rebecca Langsam has joined the St. Louis County office of the Missouri State Public Defender’s office. She attends Temple Israel. Ladue Horton Watkins High School students Georgia Bland and Addie Kerner have been recognized by the National Charity League (NCL) for their volunteer efforts. The St. Louis Gateway Chapter of the NCL awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Award to each. Georgia, a freshman, is the daughter of Karen and Jeffrey Bland. Addie, a junior, is the daughter of Betsy and Ben Kerner. Both families attend Shaare Emeth. The local chapter of the NCL is a mother-daughter volunteer organization that provides service and support to more than 25 nonprofits in the St. Louis region. Katie Eisenman is one of four recipients of the U.S. Chess Federation’s inaugural Herbert B. Jacklyn Program Scholarship. Eisenman is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in material science and engineering, and a member of the school’s chess club team. The scholarship program was created to assist young chess players in continuing their training as they reach adulthood.
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STARR-DUBOIS WEDDING Samantha Rachel Starr and Ryan Christopher DuBois were married Oct. 2, 2021 at Meadowbrook Country Club, where Rabbi Amy Feder officiated. Samantha is the daughter of Jill and Steve Starr of St. Louis. She is the granddaughter of Gloria Starr of Boca Raton, Fla., the late Michael Starr, and Sidney and Nanette Holtzman. Ryan is the son of Barb and Dave DuBois of St. Charles. He is the grandson of the late Harold and Mary Dubois, and William and Patricia
Kistenmacher. The bride’s sister, Stephanie Starr, served as maid of honor. Laura Steiner, Casey Henderson and sister-in-law Emily Dubois served as bridesmaids. Chris Seals was best man and Adam Garnett, Phil Saettele and Kevin McGarrah served as groomsmen. The bride’s brothers, Johnny and Sidney Starr, served as flower men. After the wedding, the couple enjoyed a wedding trip to Jamaica.
FREEDMAN-LAUDERBACK WEDDING Maxwell Samuel Freedman of St. Louis and Chelsea Grace Lauderback of Chicago met the old fashioned way: in a bar. But it was a little more complicated than that. In August, 2017, both were attending separate events at The Vig, a popular 1950s sports theme bar and restaurant in Old Town Chicago. Max was making a stop as part of a trolley tour of several bars, celebrating a friend’s birthday. Chelsea was out for an evening with some friends. Max asked for her number during his brief stop. They began dating the following week. By 2019 they were engaged, planning a wedding to follow Chelsea’s graduation from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While the wedding plans changed in size and number of events because of the pandemic, the original date stood. The couple married Sept. 25 at the Builders Building, an event venue in downtown Chicago. Chelsea is the daughter of Jim and Doreen Lauderback of Deerfield, Ill. She is the granddaughter of the late Ewald and Grace Friesen, of Birmingham, Mich., and the late William and Mabel Lauderback of Flora, Ill. The groom is the son of Ava Ehrlich and Barry Freedman of Clayton. His grandmother, Julie Freedman, lives in Chicago. Max is also the grandson of the late Norman and Lillian Ehrlich and the late Dr. Melvin Freedman. The bridal party was a tribute to the couple’s long lasting friends. One of the groom’s friends since kindergarten, Rev. Adam Banks of Springfield, Ohio, officiated. Co-maids of honor were Chelsea’s long time college friends, Dr. Iha Kaul and Andrea Foley. Caitlin Curran, fiancée of Chelsea’s brother Nathan, was a bridesmaid. Alex Freedman, Max’s brother, was the best man. Groomsmen included Dr. Tom Maxim,
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BAR MITZVAH: SAM ALFRED ABELES Sam Alfred Abeles became a bar mitzvah Nov. 13, 2021 at Congregation Temple Israel. A seventh-grade student at Wydown Middle School, Sam is the son of Jenny and Zach Abeles of Clayton. Sam is the grandson of Jane and Mark Tucker, and Bette and Ron Abeles, all of St. Louis. He is the great-grandson of the late Lorraine and Sam Tucker of St. Louis, the late Ann and Lee Richards of St. Louis, the late Ilse and Frank Altman of St. Louis, and the late Margaret and Alfred Abeles of Amherst, Mass. Sam has one younger brother, Tucker Abeles, who is 11. Sam loves acting and his other interests include cross country, golf and reading. Sam’s favorite thing in the world is reading and he believes that every kid should have access to books. So he has teamed up with Ready Readers for his mitzvah project. Sam has been writing letters to publishers and bookstores across the country asking them to donate books and has already received hundreds from several generous publishers and distributors. Ready Readers is a nonprofit organization that gives books to children and schools in low-income communities.
NOVEMBER TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF DR. MELVIN GLAZER’S 80TH BIRTHDAY - Robert Steiner -
PHOTO: BRIAN L. COSS PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry Ellis, both friends since grade school, Nathan Lauderback, the groom’s brother-in-law; Kyle Rewick, Drew Kabbes, and David Fischoff, all friends from Vanderbilt University, the groom’s alma mater. Dakota Klaus, another college friend, served as Flower Boy. The bride’s undergraduate degree in biological sciences is from Cornell University. The groom’s Vanderbilt degree is in human and organizational development. Chelsea is a Key Account Manager at Unilever, a global consumer goods company in Chicago. Max is Assistant Vice President for Technology Products at AON, a multinational professional services firm selling risk-mitigation products, headquartered in Chicago and London. The couple went to Hawaii and Sonoma immediately after the wedding. They reside in Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb.
IN MEMORY OF MARVIN SANDWEISS - David Lang, Rosenblum Goldenhersh “In honor and memory of your father.” - Joan and Sherman Silber ELLEN & GENE PORTMAN - Sandy & Gloria Spitzer RICHARD ALAN BOHM “May his memory be a blessing” - St. Louis Jewish Light -
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ELEANOR “ELLIE” H. BARBACH (nee Cohen), passed away peacefully in her home November, 16th, 2021 at the age of 92. Devoted wife of the late Harry H. Barbach; Dear Sister of Beverly Katz of Sherman Oaks, CA. and the late Vivian Cohen of Las Vegas, NV. Dear Friend of Howard Siegel. Ellie is the Loving Mother of Vicki (Brian) Schaff of St. Louis, MO and Bob (Nancy) Barbach of Great Neck, NY; The Caring Grandmother of Heather Pierce, Evan Pierce, Erin (Scott) Silver and Jordan Barbach; Special Great Grandmother of Caleb and Cameron Pierce and Reid Silver; dear aunt of Gail Craven, Annie (David) Katz-White and families of Los Angeles area of CA. Eleanor was born September 12, 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She met Harry when she was 16 in High School Spanish class. They married when she was 18 and had 2 children in Los Angeles before moving to St. Louis in 1960. Ellie had a long career as a Pre-School Teacher at both Congregation Shaare Emeth and Temple Israel. Her passion for music led her to play piano and sing throughout her life until her final days. Ellie was a lifelong member of Congregation Shaare Emeth which enriched her love for Judaism. Yehi zichra baruch, May Her Memory Be a Blessing. A Memorial Service was held Monday, Nov. 22 at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Memorial Contributions in her memory can be made to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org), Coeur Academy (coeuracademy.org) in honor of her great-grandson, Cameron, or the
Shirlee Green Preschool at Congregation Shaare Emeth (sestl.org). Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service SHAWN “LEWIS” BERKIN passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on November 15, 2021 at the age of 73. He was the loving husband of Carol Berkin, devoted father to Heather, Bradley, and Brian, and doting grandfather to Asher, Remi, Owen, and Miles. He was the cherished brother to Drucie and Craig, and committed uncle, cousin, and friend to many. A native of St. Louis, MO, Lewis attended Ladue High School, the University of Missouri, and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. After medical school, he spent 16 years serving in the U.S. Army, including time spent as a flight surgeon, while living in Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA with his young family. Lewis would go on to establish his own practice in St. Louis, where he tirelessly served as a family physician for over 40 years. He loved his patients and took immense pride in caring for them. Lewis found pleasure in simple things: collecting t-shirts from local establishments, jogging the neighborhood, and watching 1970s cinema. His greatest treasure though was his family. He loved nothing more than singing and dancing with Heather, discussing the finer points of life with Bradley, and attending St. Louis Cardinals baseball games with Brian. He and Carol were devoted best friends, married for 46 years. They lived a privately full life of inside
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jokes, family gatherings, and an indulgence in frozen custard and Law and Order re-runs. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed and forever loved. A graveside service was held Friday, Nov. 19 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to United Hebrew Congregation or a charity of your choice. M. ERWIN BRY JR. passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on November 14, 2021. Born in St. Louis, Erwin was the son of the late Sis and M. Erwin Bry, the beloved husband of the late Patricia Bry, ex-husband of the late Nancy Bry, devoted brother of the late Richman Bry, loving father of Terry (Holly) Bry and the late Lisa Bry, caring stepfather to Lynn (Bruce) Dole, Jeffrey (the late Darlene Eyster) Dreyer, Joseph (Rosemary) Dreyer, adoring “Poppa” to Kelly Bry (Steve Ciaccio), Courtney Bry (Michael Flanagan), Elliot (Elise) Dole, Elizabeth (Michael) Randolph, James (Jillian) Dole, Rosalind Dreyer (fiancé, Tom Strassner), playful great-grandfather to Lily and Alex Ciaccio, Chloe and Violet Flanagan, Clara and Tess Randolph, Teddi Dole, and dear friend to many. Erwin attended St. Louis Country Day School where he formed many lifelong friendships and is the last graduate of the class of 1943 to pass away. He was on the tennis team in school and continued to play tennis into his 80s along with golf. After high school, Erwin was very proud to have served in the army in both Europe and the Pacific in World War II. Erwin was an Investment Advisor at Newhard Cook, A. G. Edwards, and most recently Raymond James, retiring at age 91, and continued to follow the stock market after retirement. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals. A yearbook quote, “Erwin’s fun-loving nature and friendliness will be long-remembered...” applies to Erwin throughout his lifetime. In addition, Erwin was thoughtful, generous, and a great storyteller – his stories will be longremembered as he will be long-remembered and deeply missed by his family and friends. Private family funeral service. Memorial contributions may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, 1001 Craig Road, Suite 480, St. Louis, MO, 63146 or The Foundation for BarnesJewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO, 63110 or the charity of your choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service A Monument Dedication For
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SUNDAY DECEMBER 5TH, 2021 1:00PM UNITED HEBREW CEMETERY
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VICTORIA LEE DETJEN, November 26, 2021. Beloved daughter of the late Jake and Dora Novack; dear mother of Mark (Robyn Wallen); dear sister of the late Stanley Sylvester Novack and the late Mae Jane Novack; dear aunt of Michael, Marc and Merritt Novack; Dear grandmother of Justin Wallen; dear great-grandmother of Mya Miley Wallen, Joshua Wallen and Kylie Bacon; dear cousin and friend. Victoria loved to roller-skate and won several competitions when she was young. As an adult, she loved to take long drives. Victoria loved bingo and took many bingo trips with her sister Mae. She loved animals and her special dog, Licorice. She faced many serious health problems in her life but she always bounced back. She was an Engineer at Boeing and retired after 42 years. She loved her family and especially her adopted grandson Justin. As her Alzheimer’s progressed she became the light of the places she lived. Everyone always talked about her beautiful smile and she always became close with her caregivers. Victoria had a heart of gold and she would do anything for anyone that needed help. Many families received Victoria amazing gift baskets during the holidays and truly appreciated all the thought and care that went into them. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Berger Memorial Chapel. Interment followed the service at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to Alzheimer’s Association of St. Louis and to the Humane Society of Missouri. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service SKIP ERWIN, November 28, 2021 Beloved husband of Jeannette Erwin; dear father and father-in-law of Allegra Firestone (Dennis), George Erwin and Lee Erwin; dear grandfather of Daniel (Kristin), David and Jennifer Firestone; dear greatgrandfather of Ethan and Eli Firestone. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Skip was a longtime sports announcer and most recently, a sports writer for the St. Louis Jewish Light. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1 at Beth Ha m e d ro s h Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the charity of your choice. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
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CHARLES FREMDER, November 23, 2021 Beloved husband of Elaine Saxon Fremder; dearest father and father-in-law of Lise Bernstein (Lee), Julie Palley (Chuck) and Andy Fremder (Barbara); loving grandfather of Rachel Kallison (Sam), Daniel Bernstein (Emily), Matt Palley (Amara Humphry), Sam Palley, Erin Fremder and Sarah Fremder; dearest greatgrandfather of four; dear brother of the late Lois Grand (Mitch); dear brother-in-law of the late Leonard Saxon; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. The family would like to thank Dustin Fuller for his loving care of Charles. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 24 at Congregation Temple Israel. Memorial contributions preferred to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service ARNOLD GILDEN, November 19, 2021 Beloved son of the late Louis and the late Edna Gilden. Dear brother of the late Dr. Jerome Gilden and the late Arthur Gilden. A friend to many from all around. Arnold graduated Soldan High School in 1952 and attended Washington University. He then went on to pursue a career as Marketing Director for WGNU Radio Station where he became close friends with his boss, Chuck Norman. When not in the office, you could find Arnold mingling at the Chase with some of the best: Joe Lewis, Morris Schenker, Teddy and Harold Koplar, and so many more. He even helped the Supremes write one of their songs, “Someday We’ll Be Together”. Arnold had great success in numerous areas of sports and he even won twelve gold medals in the Senior Olympics, one of his proudest moments. Arnold could talk with anyone from all walks of life; he never met a stranger, and always made a friend. He was a generous soul and he will be missed by all that knew him. A graveside service was held Sunday, Nov. 21 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery. Contributions in Arnold’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service RUTH ZELDA TANNENBAUM GUSDORF, May 12, 1929-November 22, 2021 Ruth Tannenbaum Gusdorf passed after a long journey through dementia. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Walter Gusdorf, devoted mother of Ellen, Jeffrey, and Jerry, loving mother-in-law to Linda Smith and Martin Faye, loving grandmother of Nathan (Ti Ti Deng) and Jason Gusdorf and Max and Alex Faye, sister of the late Sam Tannenbaum, and daughter of the late Ralph and Fanny Tannenbaum, dear aunt, cousin and friend. Ruth loved her family and her friends. She loved to travel and cook. She loved her garden and the opera. A Memorial Service was held in the May Chapel at Temple Israel on Friday, Nov. 26. Interment followed at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to Opera Theater of St. Louis or the Missouri Botanical Garden. Please visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service RABBI CLIFFORD ELLIOT LIBRACH, November 18, 2021 Rabbi Clifford E. Librach, an internationally recognized theologian, essayist and attorney, died Thursday at his home in Waltham, MA. He was 70 years old. The cause of death was cancer. During his 30-year career, Rabbi Librach presided over Reform congregations in Illinois, Massachusetts and Connecticut. As a respected Judaic scholar, Rabbi Librach’s erudite essays and sometimes controversial commentaries were widely published, appearing in Commentary, the Wall Street Journal and the Journal of Reform Judaism. In 2011, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion awarded Rabbi Librach a
December 1, 2021
OBITUARIES Doctor of Divinity for his scholarly distinction. In 1998 The Forward newspaper named him one of the “50 most dynamic and influential Jewish leaders in America”. He was the only pulpit rabbi to earn that distinction. As a spiritual leader, Rabbi Librach wanted to take the role of an oboe in an orchestra “because it is the most reliable instrument...in whom everyone can be confident, and through whom everyone can find their voice”. He was passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals, Civil War history, Disney World, Dunkin Donuts and traveling to Israel. A native of St. Louis, Rabbi Librach attended Clayton High School and graduated Georgetown University cum laude. In 1977 he received a Juris Doctor degree from New York University where he was associate editor of The Law Review. In 1986 he was ordained Rabbi at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. Before his ordination, he clerked for the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and worked as a litigator at Husch & Eppenberger in St. Louis. “Nothing has given me greater joy, or challenge, than my family, “ he told a reporter in 2009. “When I look at my children, I see my past and my future, and I respect that obsession in every parent I know.” Every Sunday night, no matter where he was in the world, Rabbi Librach logged onto a computer to connect with his two brothers. Rabbi Librach was the son of the late Max M. Librach and the late Eveline B. Librach of St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Miriam Case Librach of Waltham, MA; a daughter, Giliah Librach Nagar (Erez) of Woburn, MA; a son, Max Librach (Ashley) of Waltham, MA; grandchildren Lavi and Shai Nagar of Woburn, MA; two brothers, Austan Librach (Diane) of Austin, TX and Mathew Librach (Phyllis Brasch) of St. Louis, two brothers-in-law, Joel Case of St. Louis and James Case of Kansas City, MO, nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and students. A funeral service was held Sunday, November 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Temple Emunah, Lexington, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to Friends of Israeli Defense Forces, P.O. Box 4224, New York, N.Y. 10163 or online at https://www.fidf.org SUZANNE M. MELTZ (nee Susman), January 1, 1927-November 23, 2021; born to the late Nathan and Lillian Susman. Wife of the late Jerome N. Meltz. Mother of Gary (Kathy McDaniel) Meltz, M.D., Craig (Roberta) Meltz, and Laurie Meltz Dolgin. Grandmother of Karyn (Chris) Murphy, Lindsey (Kenny) James, Leah Dolgin, and Daniel (Nicole Wilson) Meltz. Great grandmother to Zoe Steinberg, Jonah James, and Hannah James. Suzanne was a trained classical pianist who taught piano for many years. She loved playing Chopin and Brahms sonatas. She was a voracious reader. She loved the St. Louis Symphony, and watched many BBC programs, Masterpiece Theater and Netflix shows. She loved her family to the very end. Many thanks to all the caregivers and nurses who cared for her over the last several months. A funeral service was held Sunday, November 28 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. Interment followed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Road. Contributions can be made to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, or the charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service ROBERT B. RUBIN, November 19, 2021 Loving husband of the late Maxine (Kessler) Rubin. Beloved father of Allison (Mike) Shanker, and Mickey (Kristi) Rubin. Dear grandfather of Sydney and Jordyn Rubin and step grandfather to Eva, Jackson, and the late Lucas Shanker. Beloved brother and brother-in- law of the late Sareva (Frank) Muchnick and Susan (the late Larry) Boxerman. Dear uncle of Steven A. (Barbara) Muchnick, Bill (Darcy) Muchnick, Marc (Ruth Sosniak) Boxerman, and Michael (Susie Evans) Boxerman. Bob was proud of his military service with the Air Force during the Korean war. He was a graduate of the Washington University Business School. He was a lifelong fan of the St Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Browns. A graveside service was held Monday,
OBITUARIES INDEX Barbach, Eleanor Berkin, Shawn ‘Lewis’ Bry Jr., M. Erwin Detjen, Victoria Lee Erwin, Skip Fremder, Charles Gilden, Arnold Gusdorf, Ruth Zelda Tannenbaum
Librach, Rabbi Clifford Elliot Meltz, Suzanne M. Rubin, Robert B. Sneider, Jill Frank Sparks, Perry Stoliar, Jerry Techner, Karen Halpern
November 22 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO, 63110. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Andrews of Bridgeton, especially Tamika and Eboni who provided Bob with such exceptional care over the past year. A Rindskopf-Roth Service JILL FRANK SNEIDER, a long-time resident of St. Louis, died on November 20, 2021. Jill was born in Baltimore in 1944 to Jane and George Frank. She grew up in Highland Park, Illinois and attended Washington University where she met her future husband, Martin Sneider of St. Louis. She taught school in the Boston area and in Kirkwood when the couple returned to St. Louis. After giving birth to their son Mark and daughter Julie, she continued her studies at Washington University and received her Masters degree in American Literature. She persevered and earned a PhD at age 68. Her dissertation, Perception in Edith Wharton’s Stories, has been downloaded more than 15,000 times by students and scholars in more than 50 countries. A limited number of her acquaintances knew of her academic achievements. Because of her inherent modesty, she discouraged others from using her “Dr.” title even in formal settings or correspondence. It was only her grandchildren who were permitted to call her “Dr. Grammy.” On her journey to academic stardom, she indulged several rather surprising delights, a daily dose of the soap, All My Children, “thank God for my VCR,” she would declare; a craving for low-stakes blackjack in Vegas; and a late-
night ritual of falling asleep while watching Hallmark movies. “They always have happy endings,” she explained. Jill’s true passions were her family and friends. She devoted her life to her husband and lovingly raised their children, taking great pride in their achievements and love. She warmly welcomed their spouses, Meri Marsh and Brian Peller, to the family. She derived great pleasure from her granddaughters, Sally and Bonnie Sneider, Lucy Marsh, and Josie and Lila Peller. When visiting New York to see the Peller family, she spent countless hours playing with and entertaining her granddaughters, seizing the grandmother’s prerogative of spoiling them with time at the jigsaw puzzle table, gifts, treats and, most of all, her maternal devotion. They responded with affection and love. Her St. Louis granddaughters were constant visitors at her house where Dr. Grammy lavished them with love and attention and brief tutorials on the “proper use of the English language.” All of Jill’s grandchildren clung to her, teased her for her vast organizational skills but adored her and proudly showed her their graded papers and tests during their high school and college years. Jill’s many friends were the beneficiary of her companionship and unwavering loyalty, confidently knowing that she could be trusted with their secrets. At the bridge table she was proud of her “amateur” status and enjoyed chattering more than playing. In her book group this world-renowned literary scholar frequently maintained her silence and thrilled to the insightful remarks of the other participants. Her group of “Pi Lam” college friends with whom she spent 60 years celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and New Years, forgave Jill her lack of culinary skills and kindly asked her to bring paper products and store-bought goodies to potluck gatherings. For Martin, her husband of 55+ years, she was his everything--lover, mother and grandmother of their offspring and constant and often tolerant companion. She was manager of the house and their schedule, often brandishing her “Week-ata-Glance” annual calendar. As Martin often told their children and grandchildren, “Mom believes in me more than I believe in myself.” This loving, fastidious, gentle, and modest tower of strength died unexpectedly in her sleep on November 20, leaving behind a grieving but grateful family and network of friends with irreplaceable memories. Berger Memorial Service Obituaries continue on following page
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Obituaries continued from page 9B PERRY SPARKS, November 15, 2021, just shy of his 95th birthday. Beloved husband of 68 years to the late Shirley Sparks. Beloved father of Robert (Zelda) Sparks, Harry (Laurie) Sparks, and Joseph (Carol) Sparks. Loving grandfather of Martha Sparks, Aaron (Natalie Blackman) Sparks, Jacqueline (Akiva) Bacovcin, Emily (fiancé, Alex Kadis) Sparks, Jenny (Remy Lewis) Sparks, Michelle and Lily Sparks. Dear great grandfather of Dahlia, Vanessa, Isaac, Hannah, Mercy, and Réuel-Sébastien. Beloved son of the late Harold and Lillian Sparks. Dear brother of the late Jack Sparks. Special friend of Hannah Tennenbaum. Dear uncle, cousin, and good friend to many. Perry made his lifelong career at Lumberyard Supply Company, a building materials distribution business started by his father in 1937, retiring at age 80. Known to many for his list of restaurant recommendations, his tennis playing prowess, and his love and devotion to his family. A funeral service was held Friday, Nov. 26 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Mausoleum. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146. A Rindskopf-Roth Service JERRY STOLIAR, November 28, 2021 Beloved husband of Greta Schwartz Stoliar. Born in St. Louis on November 1, 1930 at the old Jewish Hospital. Son of the late Nathan Stoliar and the late Belle Salz Stoliar and son-in-law of the late Ben Schwartz and the late Sylvia Spelky Schwartz. Brother of Eunice Reichman (John). Brother-inlaw of Bernadine Birenbaum (the late Paul) and Jeanie Pollock (Dr. Neil). Father of the late Robin Lloyd (Mike), Suzy Klamen (Kelly) and Scott Stoliar (Joellyn), Grandfather of Ryan, Chad (Lauren) and Jake Klamen (Mikey) Michael Stoliar (Robyn), Lauren Stoliar and Nikki Lloyd. Stepgrandfather of Sydney and Sony Oliff. Loving uncle and great-uncle, cousin and friend to many. Jerry graduated from the following schools: Hamilton Elementary in 1945, University High School in 1948, Washington University in St. Louis in 1952 with a B.S. Business, U.S. Naval Officers Candidate School in 1952 in Newport, RI, and U.S. Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the war in Korea at sea on the USS Lyman K. Swenson DD729 from January 1953 to July 1954 and also served as Communications Officer for the U.S. Naval Station on the Island of Guam from September 1954 to December 1955. Jerry also served in the Naval Reserve as Administrative Assistant to the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Officer School at Lambert Field in St. Louis from January 1956 to January 1966. Jerry also had a 32-plus year career with Moore Business Forms Inc. as a Senior Account Executive from November 1956 to February 1989 when he retired to pursue a lifelong joy of traveling, trail hiking, scuba diving and ice speed skating, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends at “the lake” (Lake of the Ozarks.) A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Memorial contributions preferred to the Siteman Cancer Center (for Breast Cancer and Multiple Myeloma research) or the Alzheimer’s Association. Berger Memorial Service KAREN HALPERN TECHNER, November 29, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Charles Silverman; dear daughter of the late Siegmund and the late Helene Halpern; dear sister and sister-in-law of Gerry Trilling (Howard); dear aunt of Micah Trilling (Ortal KirsonTrilling), Abby Trilling and Sara Trilling (Matt Sosnow); great-aunt, cousin and friend to many. A graveside service was held Tuesday, November 30 at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South. Memorial contributions preferred to the B’nai Amoona Halpern Family Early Childhood Center Scholarship Fund, 324 S. Mason Road, 63141 or the charity of your choice. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
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Skip Erwin, veteran sports broadcaster, longtime columnist for Light, dies at 96 ROBERT A. COHN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS
Skip Erwin, a longtime sports columnist for the St. Louis Jewish Light and a member of the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, died Sunday, Nov. 28. He was 96 and had been in frail health in recent weeks. Mr. Erwin’s health issues did not slow him down in his tireless writing about any and all sports. He interviewed hundreds of sports figures from rookies to all-time greats like Stan Musial, Brett Hull and Kurt Warner. His voice, inflected with his New York/New Jersey accent, could be heard for years over numerous radio and TV stations. To say Skip was “Old School” would be an understatement. He wrote his columns in longhand and had a near-photographic memory. Just two weeks ago, I referred him to a friend who was seeking information about an athlete who played decades ago. Skip nailed it! Skip Erwin was born July 3, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of George Cohen and Marcella Rappaport Cohen. He grew up playing sports in Passaic, N.J., listening to broadcasting greats like Bill Stern and Mel Allen. Mr. Erwin served in the United States Army as a medic during World War II. “Dad could have been excused from military service because of a severe injury to his right hand,” his son George said to the Jewish Light. “But he wanted to serve his country during the Second World War.” He was married for 62 years to the former Jeannette Saady. Mr. Erwin graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. During his career, Erwin would serve as a sports correspondent for CBS, NBC and ABC network affiliates. While working at an East St.
Above right, Skip Erwin during his years broadcasting with KMOX. At left, Erwin takes part in a panel discussion with fellow JCC Sports Hall of Fame members in 2009 at the Jewish Community Center. PHOTO: MIKE SHERWIN Louis station in the 1950s, Mr. Erwin got a big break when he became the voice of the St. Louis Hawks basketball team after meeting team owner Ben Kerner. Mr. Erwin would go on to write and broadcast shows for KMOX for 25 years, broadcasting pre-game shows for the St. Louis Cardinals, the football Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues and college sports. He also worked for local universities, broadcasting play-by-play basketball on radio for St. Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Washington University. Other broadcasting posts during his career included doing NBA television broadcasts for the Kansas City Kings and broadcasting St. Louis Blues games on cable. He was the sports director at KSD-NBC radio and he hosted a sports talk show for 17 years on radio station WGNU. Mr. Erwin became sportswriter for the Light in 2005 after the retirement of the late Jack Herman. Mr. Erwin was inducted into the Jewish Community Center’s St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame on Dec. 3, 2005. His Hall of Fame plaque notes that in addition to his professional career
in sports broadcasting, he was a member of the J since 1953 and was the J Masters Racquetball Champion in 1973. Until a few years ago, Mr. Erwin was known for being a regular at the J, exercising and talking sports or sharing stories of the colorful sports personalities he knew over the years. He was also a member of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame for his 16 years announcing at the university. Survivors include his wife Jeannette, twin sons George and Lee, daughter Allegra Firestone, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of St. Louis. Mr. Erwin remained passionate about sports and was a lifelong Mizzou fan. “Shortly before he passed away Dad was pleased to learn that his beloved Mizzou had won the right to take part in a bowl game.” his son George told the Jewish Light. Graveside services were scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road, Cantor Sharon Nathanson of B’nai Amoona officiating. Contributions preferred to the donors’ choice.
DEATHS ELSEWHERE
Stephen Sondheim, 91, Jewish theater legend who reshaped the American musical BY RON KAMPEAS JTA
Stephen Sondheim, the Jewish lyricist and composer who redefined the American musical through a monumental canon of influential and innovative theatrical works, has died at 91. He died suddenly Friday after enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with friends at his home in Roxbury, Conn, The New York Times reported. Sondheim’s stunning debut came writing the lyrics to Leonard Bernstein’s score for “West Side Story” in 1957, at age 27. Sondheim was born to Jewish parents in New York City but raised without any formal Jewish background, to the extent that he once said Bernstein had to explain to him how to pronounce the words “Yom Kippur.” Sondheim’s other well-known musicals include “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Sunday in the Park With George.” Many of them were not smash hits immediately, as he avoided traditional Broadway formulas that would immediately draw audiences. Instead, he crafted musicals that dealt with subjects that had not received treatments on mainstream stages: loneliness, despair and the artistic temperament.
Stephen Sondheim in 1987. PHOTO BY OLIVER MORRIS/ GETTY IMAGES
There was the young man who is terrified of emotional commitment in “Company” (1970); the family torn apart by emotional dishonesty in “A Little Night Music” (1973); the vicious serial killer in “Sweeney Todd” (1979); and the artist in the midst of conceiving a masterpiece in “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984). “Into the Woods,” a mashup of characters from multiple fairy tales, won several Tony Awards in 1987. Revivals staged years after often did better than original runs, but he is often cited as one of the 20th century’s most influential theater writers. Born into a wealthy family in New York that ran a dressmaking company, his father left him and his mother when Sondheim was 10 years old, and his mother heaped on him hateful scorn, once telling him that her greatest regret was that he was born at all. He found mentorship and a father fig-
ure in his teen years in a family friend, Oscar Hammerstein II, the lyricist of Jewish descent who had heralded an earlier revolution in the American musical, leading its transition in the 1920s from lighthearted reviews to novelistic treatments of major issues. Hammerstein plotted out a four-step training for Sondheim while he was still in high school: Adapt a good play into a musical, adapt a flawed play into a musical, adapt a musical from another literary form, write your own musical. Sondheim stuck assiduously to the course and at 22 began auditioning songs around New York. A producer, Lemuel Ayers, commissioned Sondheim to write songs for a musical he was producing, but Ayers died before it could be staged. Sondheim’s skills nonetheless became known in Broadway circles and at age 25, he was asked to come on board and write the lyrics for a musical Bernstein was planning based on “Romeo and Juliet.” That became “West Side Story.” Sondheim earned multiple honors besides his many Tony’s, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. He settled into a comfortable elder statesman status late in life, traveling into New York this year to see revivals of his musicals, and living with his husband, Jeffrey Romley, whom he married in 2017 and who survives him.
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WASHU HILLEL
The WashU Hillel hosted “An Evening in the Sukkah” for leaders, major donors, and friends. The event, held Sept. 23 in Hillel’s sukkah, included an intimate St. Louis Symphony Orchestra quartet performance of songs by Jewish composers. Guests were also serenaded by one of WashU’s premier a capella groups, The Amateurs, seen above performing as attendees depart.
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Rick Lerner and Lisa Ring, honorary event co-chairs and WashU Hillel board members, greet attendees.
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WashU Hillel guests included (from left) Hillary Anger Elfenbein, a professor at the Olin Business School; Risa Zwerling, former WashU “First Lady”; and Aaron Bobick, dean of the McKelvey School of Engineering & Applied Science. Below (from left): Jackie Levey, WashU Hillel CEO, and husband Jim Levey; Lawrence “Bud” Wittels; WashU Hillel immediate past board chair; and Lynn Wittels, CEO of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center.
Alice Handelman, vice president of the St. Louis Jewish Light Board of Trustees, gathers with family to celebrate Thanksgiving.
CHABAD ON CAMPUS
Students from local universities joined The Network Hike, by Chabad on Campus, on Nov. 7 at the Cliff Cave Park in the Mississippi Greenway. Eitan Mermelstein, Jewish Agency Israel Fellow, was a special guest. Hikers enjoyed a beautiful day, made new friends and enjoyed stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Network will continue to organize different activities for community students. To register or find out more information, visit https://thenetworkstl.org
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December 1, 2021
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